Facebook, Inc. v. Phoenix Media/Communications Group, Inc. et al

Filing 106

DECLARATION re 105 Preliminary Claim Construction Briefs by Facebook, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E)(Torres, Javier)

EXHIBIT A

111111

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006199157Bl

United States Patent

(10)

Dov et al.

(12)

(45)

(54)

SYSTEM, METHOD AND MEDIUM FOR
MANAGING INFORMATION

(75)

Inventors: Dan Bar Dov, Tel Aviv (IL); Oded
Ben-Haim, Cupertino, CA (US); Roy
Lauer, Ramat-Gan (IL); Amotz
Maimon, Cupertino, CA (US); Michael
Palatnik, Rishon LeZion (IL)

(73)

( *)

5,826,065
5,877,819
5,956,337
6,002,854

Primary Examiner-Thomas C. Lee
Assistant Examiner-Omar A. Omar
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hale & Dorr

(22)

Filed:

(51)
(52)
(58)

A system, method and medium for configuring an item such
as a machine having multiple optional components is provided. This is accomplished using "options," which correspond to the optional components of the machine, and are
selected by a user according to those optional components
that the user desires to have as part of the machine. Each
option is envisioned to be created to contain the necessary
properties (such as attributes and constraints) to appropriately configure the corresponding optional component
within the machine. Embodiments of the present invention
envision that the options can be arranged in a hierarchical
option tree to help allow a user to better visualize the
structure of the machine in making decisions concerning
configuration.

Int. Cl? ...................................................... G06F 9/455
U.S. Cl. ................................................... 713/1; 712/15
Field of Search .................................... 713/1, 2, 100;
712/15

Mar. 30, 1998

References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5/1991
12/1996
7/1997
6/1998

Gorin et a!. ........................
Landis eta!. ........................
Duff eta!. ...........................
Curtis eta!. .........................

ABSTRACT

(57)

Appl. No.: 09/049,910

*
*
*
*

Hinsberg, III et a!. .............. 395!500
Branson ............................... 348/701
Gaddis ................................. 370/395
Lynch et a!. .................... 395/500.01

* cited by examiner

(21)

5,020,059
5,588,148
5,644,487
5,774,689

10/1998
3/1999
9/1999
12/1999

Mar.6,2001

Applied Materials, Inc., Centura(TM) HDP Dielectric Etch,
Operations Manual, Dec. 1995.

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

(56)

*
*
*
*

US 6,199,157 B1

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc., Santa Clara,
CA(US)
Notice:

Patent No.:
Date of Patent:

371/11.3
395/601
364/140
395!500

26 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets

USER
COMPUTER A

102

'

HARD DISK
A1

'
FLOPPY
DISKC

d

•
\Jl
•

USER
COMPUTER A

102
DISK CONTROLLER
MANAGER

HARD DISK
CONTROLLER B

''

FIG. 1

'

'

'

d
•

\Jl

202

•

204
USER
COMPUTER BB'S
A
~--------~
LOCKS

206

~

------~~--------------------·

208
HARD DISK
CONTROLLER CLASS

224
HARD DISK
CONTROLLER A

... DISK CONTROLLER MANAGER I
HARD DISK CONTROLLER
I X TRACKS
I

.. .DISK CONTROLLER MANAGER I
HARD DISK CONTROLLER
I Y SECTORS
PERTRACK
-

: BB'S
HARD DISK
A2

HARD DISK
CONTROLLER B

... DISK CONTROLLER MANAGER I
HARD DISK CONTROLLER
I X TRACKS
... DISK CONTROLLER MANAGER I
HARD DISK CONTROLLER
I Y SECTORS
PER TRACK
LOCKS

212

222

BB'S
{

I
I

LOCKS

210

HARD DISK A 1 FORCES
TAPE BACKUP

216
218

e

\Jl

-..a-..
1-"

\0
-..\0

I
I

1-"

FIG. 2

(It

-.....l

~

1-"

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

Sheet 3 of 11

US 6,199,157 B1

PROJECT DESCRIPTION TREE

•

•
•
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK CONTROLLER A I X TRACKS
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK CONTROLLER A I Y SECTORS

PER TRACK
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK CONTROLLER 8 I X TRACKS
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK CONTROLLER 8 I Y SECTORS

PER TRACK
•
•
•

•
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK A 1 I ROTATION SPEED
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK A 2 I ROTATION SPEED

•
•

•

FIG. 3

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

Sheet 4 of 11

US 6,199,157 B1

ICF

•
•

I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK CONTROLLER A I X TRACKS
I ... USER COMPUTER A I ... I HARD DISK CONTROLLER A I Y SECTORS

PER TRACK
I . .. USER COMPUTER A I . .. I HARD DISK A 1 I ROTATION SPEED

FIG. 4

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

Sheet 5 of 11

US 6,199,157 B1

LOCK
A

PRINTER A DESELECT PRINTER B

B

HARD DISK A 1 REQUIRES FLOPPY DISK C

C

HARD DISK A 1 FORCES TAPE BACKUP

FIG. 5

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

Sheet 6 of 11

US 6,199,157 B1
602

CREATE AN OPTION
BASED ON AN OPTIONAL
MACHINE COMPONENT IN
THE CONTROL HIERARCHY
CREATE
OPTION
TREE

ALL
604
OPTIONS
FOR OPTION
NO
~-----'
DESCRIPTION
TREE CREATED

?
606
BUILD PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
TREE
608
SELECT MACHINE CONFIGURATION
FROM OPTION TREE
610
GENERATE ICF BASED UPON
SELECTION OF OPTIONS
612
OPERATE CONFIGURED
MACHINE

FIG. 6

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

US 6,199,157 B1

Sheet 7 of 11

706
702
NO
704

WILL
OPTION
BE RE-USED
?

YES

CREATE AN
OPTION CLASS
708

CREATE AN
UNCLASSED
OPTION

CREATE AN
OPTION BASED
ON THE OPTION
CLASS

ADD BUILDING BLOCKS

710

NO

YES

714

ADD LOCKS

BACK TO
FIG. 6

FIG. 7

602

d

•
\Jl
•

DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT

802......._
804
r-

s

LAUNCHER

-

OPTION TREE
INPUT FILES
"-

806

~

s

!+"

-._.

~
BUILDING
BLOCK
INPUT FILE~

PRODUCTION (END USER)

,810
OPTION TREE I
OPTION I OPTION
CLASS EDITOR

USER
)
SELECTIONS

~

( 820

['812
BUILDING BLOCK
EDITOR

..;;:

~
r-~

DATABASE

-

,.,.816
PDT BROWSER

l-

SETUP
APPLICATION
(822

818)
SPECIFIC
MACHINE
CONFIGURATION
FILE(S) (ICF)

830)
(824

7832

FIG. 8

d

•
\Jl
•

OPTION FACET A
OPTION

I

FILE

VIEW

EDIT

NAME:

I

FACET- A

I

TITLE:

I

FACET A

I

CLASS:

r--

I

FACETCLASS

FLAGS:-

II

SELECT
1

I

D

SHOW

~
CH - INST- NAME
EQV_INST NAME
PARAMETERS I> FACET NAME
FACET_ANGLE
I USER ENTRIES I RLP NAME
VACUUM CONTROL
SUBOPTIONS I
I

CURRE NT
WORK lNG
FILE

MUTEX

I

LOCKS

W. FILE: ETCH STTS

II>

v

I EDIT... I I ADD ... II REMOVE:

FIG. 9A

CURRE NTLY
SELEC TED
LIST OF
PROPE RTIES

I
<ll

I

I DONE I

CLASS SELECTOR
BUTTO N

IATTACHED BBs I

I
0

SHOWS
CLASS- INHERITED
PROPE RTIES

COMM ON
LIST OP ERATIONS

d

•
\Jl
•

OPTION CLASS FLOW9
EXTENDED MENU

I
I

NAME:

I

FLOW9

TITLE:
SUBSYSTEM OF
THE CLASS

TITLE

OPTION CLASS
VIEW

EDIT

FILE

I

FLOW#

SUBSYSTEM:

I

0

VISIBLE

0

MUTEX

0

GROUPING

IEJ

GASFLOW

-FLAGS:-

.)

IATTACHED BBs I> CH_XX_FLOW1_GLBL
CH XX FLOW1
I PARAMETERS CH XX FLOW2
IUSER ENTRIES CH XX FLOW1 5200
I SUBCLASSES
-

-

~

-

-

I

-

LOCKS

W.FILE: 5200 CONTROLLER.SUS

I DONE I

I

<ll

ID

lv

I EDIT... I I ADD ... II REMOVE I

FIG. 98

SUB SYSTEMS
ME NU BUTTON

U.S. Patent

Mar.6,2001

Sheet 11 of 11

US 6,199,157 B1

1002
CPU(S)

1004
~----------------~ STORAGE

DEVICE(S)

1006
f---------;

DISPLAY (S)

1008
II 0

1000

FIG. 10

US 6,199,157 B1
1

2

SYSTEM, METHOD AND MEDIUM FOR
MANAGING INFORMATION

was still very cumbersome. In addition, such schemes,
which often utilize a pure tree-based data model, do not
assist the user in determining the relationship between the
various components that could be configured. For example,
they do not indicate whether certain components of the
machine are necessary when other components are chosen,
or whether certain components are mutually exclusive with
one another (e.g., there are no rule-based constraints associated with them).
Consequently, what is needed is an efficient, "intelligent"
scheme for assisting in the choosing of components for the
configuration of a machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system, method and
medium for configuring an item such as a machine, where
the item can have a multitude of optional components. With
reference to embodiments envisioning configuring a
machine, the present invention allows a user to choose from
various "options" (representative of machine components)
so that the necessary aspects (e.g., software) for operating
the desired machine can be implemented. In the course of
choosing options, the present invention can guide the user to
determine which additional options (and thus which other
corresponding machine components) may, e.g., also be
required to properly configure the machine in view of those
options specifically chosen by the user. It is envisioned that
properties of these options are determined by a user prior to
choosing the options for configuring the machine.
II. Related Art
Software is increasingly found in various types of electrical and electromechanical devices. For example, over the
past few years, devices such as automobiles and toaster
ovens have been incorporated with more and increasingly
sophisticated software.
Often, software used with a given piece of machinery is
written for a particular machine (i.e., a specific configuration
of a machine). However, there are also many situations
where a "base-model" machine has numerous optional components that can be chosen, requiring a change in the
software that is used to operate the machine. For example,
many computers can be sold with numerous different
options available (e.g., different types and different numbers
of hard drives, memory systems, peripherals, etc.). Also,
there may be devices that come equipped with numerous
different features which a user may want to activate (or
deactivate). In any event, it would be very burdensome and
highly undesirable for the manufacturer to develop and
maintain a complete copy of each type of software suitable
for each of the different possible configurations of the
machine that users may desire.
In some situations, schemes have been developed to sense
which optional hardware components exist in a machine
configuration, and automatically configure the software
accordingly. These schemes require that each component
have some feature that allows it to be identified, typically in
the form of some electronic connection. However, a user
may want to use components that are not manufactured with
such identification features. Implementation of such a feature (either during or after manufacture) for each component
can be an expensive and cumbersome proposition, significantly adding to the cost of each component, and thus
making the finished machine more expensive.
To provide a user with an efficient and flexible scheme for
configuring machines having multiple possible
configurations, various techniques and schemes have been
developed. One example was the development of the Masterfab Cluster Controller (MCC) by Applied Materials of
Santa Clara, Calif. The MCC uses an inheritance-based
control hierarchy scheme to assist a user in configuring the
particular machine of their choosing. Specifically, the user
can choose specific attribues relating to the desired machine
configuration, wherein the attributes are stored for use with
the machine during its operation.
However, schemes such as the MCC mentioned above are
deficient in that the way a user had to configure the machines

5

10

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

The present invention addresses the problem described
above by providing a system, method and medium for
configuring an item such as a machine in a flexible and
efficient manner. Specifically, and with regard to configuring
machines, it is envisioned that a given machine may be
manufactured with any number of user-selectable optional
components (e.g., cars and computers often have numerous
available optional components). To allow such a machine
with a variety of potential components to be flexibly and
efficiently configured (e.g., to have appropriate software
attributes implemented to operate the machine) once, e.g.,
specific optional components have been chosen, the present
invention utilizes "options."
Options, represented by data in a computer, correspond to
the optional components of the machine. They are selected
by a user according to the optional components that the user
desires to have as part of the machine. Each option is
envisioned to be created to contain the necessary information to appropriately configure the corresponding optional
component of the machine.
Specifically, in creating options corresponding to the
optional components, the present invention contemplates
that the options are instilled with various properties. In
particular, it is envisioned that these properties include
attributes and a form of constraint referred to as "locks." The
attributes can represent various features of the corresponding component, such as a specific settings to which a
machine component should be set. The locks allow options
to be related to other designated options in a variety of ways.
For example, a lock can force one option to be chosen if a
related option is specifically chosen by a user.
Embodiments of the present invention also envision that
the options can be arranged in a hierarchical option tree.
This, for example, allows a user to better visualize the
structure of the machine in making decisions concerning
configuration. In any event, utilizing this combination of
option tree hierarchy and constraints helps allow the present
invention to provide a flexible and convenient scheme for
configuring an item such as a machine having numerous
potential components.
Where certain properties may be utilized by more than
one option, the present invention also contemplates the
creation of an option class. The option class, which itself has
various properties associated with it, can be associated with
specified options such that those options then take on the
properties of the option class (either in whole or in part).
Once the options are set up as described above, embodiments of the present invention then contemplate that the user
can choose from those options within the option tree to
configure a desired machine (having the desired
components). The various requirements for operating the
machine (e.g., certain portions of software and/or inputs

US 6,199,157 B1

3
thereof) are then implemented so that the machine can be
appropriately operated.
Although the present invention is described primarily in
terms of configuring machines, it should be understood that
the various aspects of the present invention are applicable to
various other types of items, as well.

4

to configure. Some of these components may be optional
(and thus may or may not be chosen by a user) while others
may be required (either as an integral part of all possible
configurations or as a result of choosing a particular
5 component). This blueprint might also describe various
relationships between the components. Embodiments of the
present invention, in effect, envision possibly using this
blueprint as a conceptual starting point in assisting a user to
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
appropriately configure (e.g., prepare for use) a desired
Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the 10 machine configuration.
An example of such a blueprint depicting various possible
present invention can be more fully appreciated as the same
hardware components is shown with regard to FIG. 1.
become better understood with reference to the following
Referring now to FIG. 1, a computer network having various
detailed description of the present invention when considpossible components that can be used to make up a specific
ered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
configured machine is shown. In particular, the example of
which:
15
FIG. 1 depicts what can be viewed as a "control hierarchy,"
FIG. 1 is hierarchical diagram depicting example comin which the higher-level components "control" the lowerponents of a machine.
level ones (e.g., "disk controller manager" controls "hard
FIG. 2 is a hierarchical diagram of an option tree and an
disk controller A," which then controls "hard disk A1"). In
option class based upon the example machine of FIG. 1.
addition, within this hierarchy, it is contemplated that certain
FIG. 3 depicts an example of a project description tree 20 aspects of the higher-level (i.e., "parent") components can
based upon the example option tree of FIG. 2.
automatically apply to the lower-level ones. Thus, FIG. 1
FIG. 4 depicts an example of an instance creation file
contemplates a scheme having certain object-oriented
based upon a hypothetical selection of certain options from
characteristics, yet also having control ramifications as well.
the example option tree of FIG. 2.
In order to allow the user to not only choose a particular
25
FIG. 5 depicts examples of locks as contemplated by
configuration for a desired machine, but also to assist the
embodiments of the present invention.
user to ensure that a "sound" configuration is chosen, the
present invention contemplates that the options are strucFIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for creating and
tured and implemented so that the appropriate properties are
selecting options, as contemplated by embodiments of the
present invention.
30 conveniently associated with each option, enabling the
appropriate software (and appropriate attributes thereof) for
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method for creating options,
the corresponding machine component to be implemented as
as contemplated by embodiments of the present invention.
a result of choosing the option. The present invention
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example environment
contemplates that such structuring and implementation of
used for creating and choosing options, as contemplated by
35 the options can be done using any number of available
embodiments of the present invention.
techniques. One such technique is to create an objectFIGS. 9A and 9B depict example interfaces, as contemoriented "option tree" hierarchy, as shown in FIG. 2.
plated by embodiments of the present invention.
The options in the option tree example of FIG. 2 are based
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer environment,
(at least conceptually) on the machine component possibilicomponents thereof and communication schemes used 40 ties depicted in the control hierarchy example of FIG. 1.
therewith, as contemplated by embodiments (and environReferring now to FIG. 2, the option tree is composed of a
ments thereof) of the present invention.
series of "options" representing corresponding machine
components that the user can choose. For example, hard disk
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
controller A208 is one such option that can be chosen by the
The present invention relates to a system, method and 45 user. Each of the options has associated "building blocks"
(BE's) as well as "locks," which give the option its associmedium for configuring an item such as a machine, where
ated properties.
the item can have a multitude of optional components. With
reference to embodiments envisioning configuring a
As envisioned in conjunction with embodiments of the
machine, the present invention allows a user to choose from
present invention, the option tree of FIG. 2 displays all the
various "options" (representative of machine components) 50 options which can be chosen by the user, while the control
so that the necessary aspects (e.g., software) for operating
hierarchy of FIG. 1 displays the corresponding physical
the desired machine can be implemented. In the course of
components (which can include software components) that
choosing options, the present invention can guide the user to
might be included in a configured machine (though not all of
determine which additional options (and thus which other
which are necessarily selectable in the option tree). For
corresponding machine components) may, e.g., also be 55 example, the "disk control manager" 102 as shown in FIG.
required to properly configure the machine in view of those
1 might not be a selectable option by itself, but may always
options specifically chosen by the user. It is envisioned that
be automatically included with the selection of the option
properties of these options are determined by a user prior to
corresponding to "user computer A" 202 (thus, note that the
choosing the options for configuring the machine.
disk control manager does not appear in FIG. 2 as an option).
Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that 60
Embodiments of the present invention envision that the
use of the option tree is to provide a user with a convenient
"options" and the properties they possess are created by a
user using various editing tools which will be described
scheme for organizing and visualizing the potential configfurther below. In any event, the type and number of options
urable machines and optional components therein. However,
embodiments also envision that the options in the option tree
created will be based upon some type of blueprint indicating
the possible components that the machine(s) might have. 65 can inherit the properties of their "parent" option. Thus, in
This blueprint thus represents at least the superset of the
those embodiments, a "child" option may inherit properties
from a "parent" option.
components needed for any machine that a user may desire

US 6,199,157 B1
5

6

Regarding the building blocks, these are envisioned to
that must be excluded if other machine components are used.
contain certain attributes to be implemented in association
As a particular embodiment for facilitating this goal, the
with the corresponding machine component. For example,
present invention contemplates utilizing option constraints
for the option of hard disk controller A (208), the associated
called "locks," which can be associated with the various
building block (210) indicates the number of tracks and the 5 options and option classes. As an example, lock 218 is
number of sectors per track that hard disks under its control
shown as associated with the option "hard disk A1," indiare to have. (Though attributes include, e.g., "x tracks," it
cating that choosing hard disk A1 "forces" the choosing of
should be understood that embodiments of the present
the tape backup. In other words, if a user chooses the option
invention also envision that x could be a specific number.)
"hard disk A1," the tape backup option (not shown in FIG.
It should be noted that these attributes are associated with
10 2, but assumed to exist for the purposes of this example)
hard disk controller A's position in the control hierarchy in
must also be chosen as an option. Embodiments of the
order to properly identify the attribute with the appropriate
present invention envision that the mandatory choosing of
instance of hard disk controller (i.e., "network/user comthe tape backup option can be automatic. It should be
puter Ndisk controller manager/hard disk controller_", the
understood, however, that the present invention also confirst two portions ("network/user computer A") having been 15 templates other schemes for implementing this type of
omitted from the building block shown in FIG. 2 for brevity.
relation functionality, and is not limited to the use of "locks"
In embodiments of the present invention, it is contemas specifically defined herein.
plated that there may be situations where options of like or
Ultimately, after the desired options are chosen, it is
similar type within the hierarchy (e.g., all hard disks) are
envisioned (in, e.g., machine configuration embodiments)
likely to use the same attributes. In such situations, it is 20
that software is generated (incorporating the chosen
envisioned that some scheme can be implemented wherein
attributes based on the building blocks) that operates the
the appropriate attributes are created so that they can be used
machine having components corresponding to the chosen
(and re-used) by designated options. Specifically, in embodioptions. In addition, it is envisioned by embodiments of the
ments contemplated by the present invention, "option
present invention that when selecting an option from the
classes" can be created, comprising attributes and partially 25
hierarchical option tree, an option may be selected only if its
unresolved instances. These option classes can serve as
"parent" option was selected. (Alternatively, the parent
templates for automatically setting default properties of an
option can be automatically selected when the child option
option, if desired by a user. In particular, embodiments of the
gets selected).
present invention contemplate that an option may inherit
As indicated above, the building blocks of the various
these properties as defined in the classes or add to them or 30
options contain the various attributes that are utilized in
override them (completely or in part).
conjunction with the individual options. Embodiments of the
In the example of FIG. 2, a hard disk controller option
present invention contemplate that all of these attributes
class 224 has been created, and the attributes therein are
(along with their associated instance designations) are stored
used by the building block 210 associated with the option
"hard disk controller A" 208. The "hard disk controller_" 35 together in a "project description tree" (PDT). Consequently,
the PDT has in it all of the attributes and associated resolved
instance in building block 210 is thus partly unresolved (i.e.,
instances (i.e., each machine component is uniquely
the "_" represents an unresolved parameter) since it is
described) for all possible configurations of machine comderived from the hard disk controller class, which may be
ponents. Thus, for example, as shown with regard to FIG. 3,
used by other options (e.g., hard disk controller B 220).
the PDT contains all permutations of the attributes associEmbodiments of the present invention contemplate that 40
ated with both hard disk controller A and hard disk controller
the building block contents could also be used for concepts
B. (Thus, even though there is a hard disk controller class,
other than for configuring machines. For example, the
all possible instance and attribute permutations are
building blocks could contain paragraphs of text in an
accounted for here.)
instruction manual for a device such as a car. Then, dependEmbodiments of the present invention contemplate that
ing upon the optional accessories chosen by the buyer, a 45
the PDT is the result of all of the building blocks associated
custom instruction manual can be generated. As a specific
with the options created for the option tree.
example, if the buyer chose a car with air conditioning, then
When a user finally chooses various options from the
a user of the present invention could choose an "air condioption tree to configure a desired machine, various charactioning" option, resulting in the appropriate paragraph(s)
appearing in the manual. If the user further chose that the air 50 teristics of those options, such as those indicated by the
attributes associated with the options, are implemented. In
conditioning unit should contain a thermostat, the user
particular, embodiments of the present invention envision
would also choose the thermostat option (which would be a
that the relevant instances and attributes for the specific
"child" option of the previous air conditioning option).
configuration of the machine chosen are placed into an
Moreover, embodiments of the present invention also allow
certain paragraphs to, e.g., be chosen if others are selected 55 instance creation file (ICF). Embodiments of the present
invention contemplate that this ICF contains all of the
(using a scheme such as "locks," described below). Of
resolved instances and associated attributes from the relcourse, it should be understood that the present invention
evant building blocks from the user-chosen options and,
contemplates use with all types of various items other than
therefore, from the relevant corresponding portions of the
configuring machines and creating manuals.
In addition to associating various attributes with the 60 PDT. Embodiments of the present invention also contemplate that the ICF is a derivative of the PDT.
options (through the building blocks), the present invention
also envisions that a certain level of guidance or "intelliAn example of an ICF where the Hard Disk Controller A
and Hard DiskA1 options were chosen is shown with regard
gence" can be implemented to assist a user in configuring an
appropriate and workable machine from the available
to FIG. 4. Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the
optional machine components (as reflected by the options 65 various instances and attributes corresponding to the building blocks of those options (where the instances are fully
presented to the user). Thus, for example, there may be
certain optional machine components that are required or
resolved, as in the PDT) are shown. Any other instances and

US 6,199,157 B1
7

8

attributes corresponding to options chosen to make the
now to FIG. 6, the first step is that an option based on an
"optional" machine component in the control hierarchy is
specific configuration desired by the user would also go into
this ICF. Embodiments of the present invention envision that
created, as indicated by a Block 602. Thus, as indicated
the I CF is created after the user has selected all options.
previously, options are created only for "optional" compoIt is envisioned by embodiments of the present invention 5 nents of the machine, since those components that are
mandatory would not require an option (i.e., they are just
that when the specifically designed machine is started, the
included in the machine).
I CF is accessed so that the attributes stored therein can be
The next step is to determine whether all options that a
accessed and utilized. In particular, choosing certain options
user would wish to create for the option tree have been
may cause appropriate portions of software (e.g.,
subroutines) to be accessed and executed during the opera- 10 created, as indicated by a decision Block 604. If the answer
is "no," then an additional option will be created, and control
tion of the configured machine. The attributes of the ICF
will go back to Block 602. Otherwise, if all desired options
would themselves be used as inputs for this software.
have been created, then the next step is to build a product
Of course, it should be understood that the present invendescription tree (PDT) based on the building blocks assotion also contemplates the use of schemes other than the ICF,
where various attributes (or the like) can be chosen and 15 ciated with the chosen options, as indicated by a Block 606.
The PDT was discussed previously with regard to FIG. 3.
stored.
Once the various options and PDT are in place, the next
As mentioned above, the present invention contemplates
step is to select a machine configuration from the option tree,
the use of various types of constraint-like mechanisms for
as indicated by a Block 608. Embodiments of the present
ensuring that certain options are appropriately designated
20 invention contemplate that the actual selection can be
when other options have been chosen. One such mechanism
accomplished using any number of user interface techniques
previously mentioned is a "lock," which adds a level of
(e.g., graphical editors), where the available options can, for
guidance to the machine configuration process. Certain
example, be displayed to a user, who then selects desired
specific types of locks contemplated by the present invention
options using any number of input devices.
are as follows:
The next step is the generation of an ICF based upon the
25
(1) "Option A requires Option B"-use of this lock
selected options from the option tree, as indicated by a Block
indicates that Option A may be selected only if Option
610. As indicated above, embodiments of the present invenB is already selected.
tion contemplate that the ICF is derived from the appropriate
(2) Option A forces Option B-this lock indicates that if
components in the PDT, and thus the ICF is a derivative of
Option A is selected, and the parent option of Option B 30 the PDT.
has already been selected, then Option B, itself, is
Finally, the machine as configured by the user is operated,
selected automatically.
as indicated by a Block 612. It is envisioned that the ICF is
(3) Option A deselects Option B-this lock indicates that
used as input for the software operating the configured
where either one of these options is selected, the other
machine (e.g., the software reads in the attributes as input).
35
Of course, it should be understood that, in addition to the
is then automatically deselected.
steps described with regarding FIG. 6, additional or alterIn addition to being associated with specific options,
native steps, as well as a different ordering of the steps
embodiments of the present invention envision that the locks
can also be one of the properties of an option class, and thus
described herein, are also contemplated by embodiments of
can be re-used. For example, a lock "Option_ requires
the present invention.
Option_" could be associated with an option class, and the 40
FIG. 7 is a more detailed illustration of the operation of
blank would be resolved to include the particular option(s)
Block 602 of FIG. 6. Referring now to FIG. 7, the first step
chosen.
is to determine whether the option that is being created will
be re-used (e.g., the building block attributes will be used by
Of course, the present invention contemplates the use of
other options), as indicated by a decision Block 702. If the
other specific types of locks, as well.
FIG. 5 depicts examples of the usage of the locks men- 45 answer is "yes," then an option class will be created if one
tioned above, in the context of the example machine comdoes not already exist, as indicated by a Block 706. Embodiponents depicted in FIG. 1 (and options envisioned to exist
ments of the present invention contemplate that the option
with regard to FIG. 2, some of which are not shown).
created will then, itself, be based upon this option class (that
is, it will utilize the attributes of the option class) as
Referring now to FIG. 5, lock A indicates that if Printer A is
selected, then Printer B would be deselected and vice versa. 50 indicated by a Block 708. If the appropriate option class
If this lock were to exist, for example, as part of a printer
already existed for the created option, then the option will
just be created based upon this existing option.
option (for either printer A or B), then only one of those
If, however, the option will not be re-used, then an
printers could be selected at any one time.
unclassed option will be created, as indicated by a Block
Lock B indicates that hard disk A1 specifically requires
floppy disk C. This might be put into effect in conjunction 55 704. In that situation, it is envision that all the attributes and
with the hard disk A1 option (of, e.g., FIG. 2), where, for
associated instances will be completely defined.
example, it is necessary for each configured machine to have
In either of the above cases, the option is associated with
at least one floppy disk.
an appropriate position within the hierarchy of the option
Lock C indicates that the hard disk A1 forces the tape
tree.
backup. Thus, selection of the hard disk A1 will automati- 60
The next step is to add the building blocks to the option,
as indicated by a Block 710. Here, the instances and assocally cause the choosing of the tape backup option. This
could, for example, be implemented where a tape backup is
ciated attributes are associated with the option or option
considered critical for any machine configured with a hard
class. If an appropriate option class was already created, the
disk.
option will merely utilize that class' building block inforMethods contemplated by embodiments of the present 65 mation (or add additional information).
invention regarding the generation of structures mentioned
The next step is to determine whether the option requires/
forces/excludes other options, as indicated by a Block 712.
previously are discussed with regard to FIG. 6. Referring

US 6,199,157 B1

9

10

In other words, should there be any locks associated with
the software to configure a physical machine that has already
this option. If "yes," then the locks are added, as indicated
been constructed, or to test whether a desired configuration
by a Block 714. If "no," then step 714 is skipped. As
is feasible. However, embodiments of the present invention
indicated above, the particular locks as mentioned in decialso contemplate that choosing the options also automatisian Block 712 are exemplary. In addition, the present 5 cally causes the physical components of the machine to be
invention contemplates that various types of constraint
assembled, as well (i.e., the configuration generation can
schemes can also be used.
also include the physical assembly of the machine) and/or
In general, it should be understood that the various steps,
draws a schematic of the chosen machine.
and ordering thereof, are exemplary, and that the present
FIGS. 9A and 9B depict examples of user interfaces that
invention contemplates that other steps and step ordering are 10 can allow a user to view and edit the contents of a particular
also envisioned.
option or option class. Referring first to FIG. 9A, various
FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary environment in which the
property and property types of an option are shown. For
present invention may be utilized. Referring now to FIG. 8,
example, the "name" of the option (typically corresponding
there is shown a "development environment" 830, in which
to the name of the potential component to be included into
the various structures of the present invention, previously 15 the configured machine) is shown here as "facet_A." It is
also shown that this option belongs to the class "Facetmentioned, are created and defined. In a production or "end
user" environment 832, an end-user can then select the
Class." Thus, the various aspects (e.g., building blocks)
associated with FacetClass are also associated with this
options previously created in order to configure a specific
particular option (unless specifically overwritten, which
machine.
Referring first to the development environment of Block 20 embodiments of the present invention allow). Also as
shown, the user may choose to view various aspects of the
830, it is envisioned that various editors and files exist to
create, edit and store the various structures of the present
option, including attached building blocks, parameters (i.e.,
unresolved instances associated with option classes) and
invention previously mentioned. Specifically, embodiments
suboptions (i.e., "child" options in the option tree hierarchy;
of the present invention contemplate that the options and
option classes can be created and edited using the option 25 designating options as suboptions using menu schemes of
tree/option/option class editor 810, and the building blocks
similar nature to that shown in FIG. 9A, as well as pull-down
menu schemes and tree diagrams, are ways the present
associated therewith can be chosen therefrom. Option tree
invention envisions options being positioned within the
input files 804 are envisioned to contain items such as a list
hierarchy of the option tree). In this particular example, the
of potential options which may be created. Similarly, building block input files 806 are stored with instances and 30 user is viewing the various parameters of the option. Also
attributes, which can be edited by the building block editor
viewable and editable are the locks.
812, and ultimately associated with an option or option class
FIG. 9B shows a corresponding user interface for viewing
using option tree/option/option class editor 810. The resultand editing an option class. In this particular case, a different
ing option tree containing the options, option classes and
option class is being shown from the one depicted in the
associated properties (e.g., building blocks and locks) is then 35 option of FIG. 9B (specifically, "Flow 9"). In addition, the
stored in database 818. In addition, the PDT, which is
class is shown to belong to a subsystem (which is a group of
option classes from which the option classes can,
created from the building blocks associated with the options,
themselves, inherit various properties), which embodiments
is also stored in database 818. The PDT can be browsed
using PDT browser 816. Thus, the database 818 is given the
of the present invention also contemplate to exist.
necessary information for an end-user to simply choose the 40
With regard to FIGS. 9A and 9B, it should be understood
that these user interfaces are shown by way of example, and
pre-prepared options to configure the desired machine.
that the present invention contemplates that any number of
Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that
other user interfaces can be used for creating, viewing, and
the various editors and browsers (810, 812 and 816) are
interconnected (as shown by the non-arrowed lines connectediting options and option classes, and associated informaing them) and are initiated via a "launcher" interface 802. 45 tion belonging thereto.
FIG. 10 shows some exemplary hardware for use as part
With regard to the end user environment 832, the user
selects the options to be chosen using setup application 822.
of and/or as the environment of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 10, one of more CPU's 1002 are
In this way, the user selects the desired configuration. The
present invention envisions that any number of schemes
shown, connected to one or more storage devices 1004 by
utilizing input devices can be used for making the selections. 50 bus 1010. The CPUs could be any number of different types,
such as any of the line of Intel CPUs such as the Pentium or
Then, based upon the options chosen, the appropriate porPentium II manufactured by Intel of Santa Clara, Calif., or
tions of the PDT are obtained to form the ICF in file(s) 824.
The ICF can then be used to operate the machine as
ones manufactured by Motorola of Schaumburg, Ill. The
storage device(s) 1004 are contemplated to be various
configured by the user.
It should be understood that the environments shown and 55 computer memories (e.g., RAM, EPROM, etc.) as well as
described with regard to FIG. 8 are by way of example, and
disk storage. It is contemplated that one or more aspects of
that the present invention contemplates other types of
the present invention are located in storage device(s) 1004.
situations, as well. For example, the end-user may also be
Also attached to bus 1010 is one or more displays 1006,
involved with the development and editing process of the
providing a user with a visual interface for preparing and
individual options, as well (and, thus, developer and end 60 editing various aspects of the present invention. Also shown
user are the same entity). In addition, it should also be
attached to bus 1010 is an 1!0 1008, which is contemplated
understood that the specific types of editors and files are
to be various devices such as keyboard and mouse, as well
as devices for interfacing aspects of the present invention
exemplary, and the present invention envisions other types
and schemes for implementing the features of the present
with the actual hardware that is to be implemented as per the
invention as well.
65 various options chosen.
Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that,
The computer 1000 having the various components menwithin the end user environment, the user may be generating
tioned above can be any number of computers, such as a

US 6,199,157 B1

11

12

SparcStation 5 from Sun Microsystems of Mountain View,
c) said first option forces said second option.
6. A computer-implemented method for configuring an
Calif., or a Pentium-based computer, and can be used in any
item, wherein said item comprises two or more optional
number of operating systems, such as Sun OS or Microsoft
Windows from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.
machine components, comprising the steps of:
It should be understood that the "user," as mentioned 5
(1) creating two or more options, wherein said two or
herein, can itself be an automated entity such a computer or
more options correspond to said two or more optional
computer program.
machine components;
In general, it should be emphasized that the various
(2) associating attributes with each of said two or more
components of embodiments of the present invention can be
options, wherein said attributes relate to characteristics
implemented in hardware, software or a combination 10
of said two or more machine components;
thereof. In such embodiments, the various components and
(3) creating, from said two or more options, a hierarchical
steps would be implemented in hardware and/or software to
option tree;
perform the functions of the present invention. Any pres( 4) associating an option constraint with a first option of
ently available or future developed computer software lansaid two or more options, wherein said option conguage and/or hardware components can be employed in such 15
straint implements a relation between said first option
embodiments of the present invention. For example, at least
and a second option,
some of the functionality mentioned above could be implewherein said relation is based upon a relationship
mented using C, C++ or Small talk programming languages.
between those of said optional machine components
It is also to be appreciated and understood that the specific
corresponding to said first option and said second
embodiments of the invention described hereinbefore are 20
option;
merely illustrative of the general principles of the invention.
(5) selecting one or more options from said option tree;
Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the
art consistent with the principles set forth hereinbefore.
( 6) implementing, responsive to said step ( 5), at least one
What is claimed is:
attribute corresponding to said one or more selected
1. A computer-implemented method for configuring an 25
options, and placing said at least one attribute into an
item, wherein said item comprises two or more optional
instance creation file; and
components, comprising the steps of:
(7) accessing and utilizing said instance creation file
(1) creating two or more options, wherein said two or
during the operation of said item.
more options correspond to said two or more optional
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further
components;
30 comprising the steps of:
(2) associating attributes with each of said two or more
(5) selecting one or more options from said option tree;
options, wherein said attributes relate to characteristics
and
of said two or more components;
( 6) implementing, responsive to said step ( 5), at least one
(3) creating, from said two or more options, a hierarchical
attribute corresponding to said one or more selected
35
option tree;
options.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6,
(4) selecting one or more options from said option tree;
wherein said step (2) comprises the step of associating a
(5) implementing, responsive to said step ( 4), at least one
designated option of said two or more options with an option
attribute corresponding to said one or more selected
options, and placing said at least one attribute into an 40 class, wherein said option class contains inheritable
attributes, and wherein at least some attributes of said
instance creation file; and
designated option are thereby inherited from said option
( 6) accessing and utilizing said instance creation file
class.
during the operation of said item.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8,
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,
wherein said step (2) comprises the step of associating a 45 wherein said step (2) comprises the step of associating a
designated option of said two or more options with an option
designated option of said two or more options with an option
class, wherein said option class contains inheritable
class, wherein said option class contains inheritable
constraints, and wherein at least some constraints of said
attributes, and wherein at least some attributes of said
designated option are thereby inherited from said option
designated option are thereby inherited from said option
class.
class.
50
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 8,
3. The computer-implemented system of claim 1, further
wherein the properties of all options in said option tree are
comprising the step of associating an option constraint with
stored together in a database.
a first option of said two or more options, wherein said
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10,
option constraint implements a relation between said first
wherein the properties of all options chosen using said
option and a second option.
55
configuration selector are stored together in a database, for
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3,
use in operating the machine.
wherein said step (2) comprises the step of associating a
12. A system for configuring an item, wherein said item
designated option of said two or more options with an option
comprises two or more optional components, comprising:
class, wherein said option class contains inheritable
two or more options, wherein said two or more options
constraints, and wherein at least some constraints of said 60
corresponding to said two or more optional compodesignated option are thereby inherited from said option
nents;
class.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 3,
wherein each of said two or more options contains
wherein the relation between said first option and said
attributes relating to said two or more optional comsecond option is chosen from one of the following group: 65
ponents;
a) said first option deselects said second option;
an option tree, wherein said two or more options are
b) said first option requires said second option;
associated within a hierarchy;

US 6,199,157 B1

13

14

a configuration selector, for allowing the selection of one
or more options from said option tree; and
a configuration generator, responsive to said configuration
selector, for implementing at least one attribute corresponding to said one or more selected options, and
placing said at least one attribute into an instance
creation file,
wherein said item accesses and utilizes said instance
creation file during the operation of said item.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising an editor
for creating said attributes and for associating said attributes
with said two or more options.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein at least some of said
attributes of a designated option of said two or more options
are inherited by associating said designated option with an
option class,
wherein said option class contains inheritable attributes.
15. The system of claim 12, further comprising an option
constraint associated with a first option of said two or more
options, wherein said option constraint implements a relation between said first option and a second option.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein at least some of said
constraints of a designated option of said two or more
options are inherited by associating said designated option
with an option class,
wherein said option class contains inheritable constraints.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the relation between
said first option and said second option is chosen from one
of the following group:
a) said first option deselects said second option;
b) said first option requires said second option;
c) said first option forces said second option.
18. A system for configuring a machine, wherein said
machine comprises two or more optional components, comprising:
two or more options, wherein said two or more options
corresponding to said two or more optional machine
components;
wherein each of said two or more options contains
attributes for affecting said two or more optional
machine components;
an option tree, wherein said two or more options are
associated within a hierarchy; and
an option constraint, associated with a first option of said
two or more options, wherein said option constraint
implements a relation between said first option and a
second option,
wherein said relation is based upon a relationship between
those of said optional machine components corresponding to said first option and said second option;
an option selector, wherein said option selector selects
one or more options from said option tree; and
an implementor, wherein said implementor implements at
least one attribute corresponding to said one or more
selected options, and wherein said implementor places
said at least one attribute into an instance creation file,

wherein said machine accesses and utilizes said instance
creation file during the operation of said machine.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:
a configuration selector, for allowing the selection of one
or more options from said option tree; and
a configuration generator, responsive to said configuration
selector, for implementing at least one attribute corresponding to said one or more selected options.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the properties of all
options in said option tree are stored together in a database.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the properties of all
options chosen using said configuration selector are stored
together in a database, for use in operating the machine.
22. A computer-readable medium for configuring an item,
wherein said item comprises two or more optional
components, by performing the steps of:
(1) creating two or more options, wherein said two or
more options correspond to said two or more optional
components;
(2) associating attributes with each of said two or more
options, wherein said attributes relate to characteristics
of said two or more components;
(3) creating, from said two or more options, a hierarchical
option tree;
( 4) selecting one or more options from said option tree;
(5) implementing, responsive to said step ( 4), at least one
attribute corresponding to said one or more selected
options, and placing said at least one attribute into an
instance creation file; and
( 6) accessing and utilizing said instance creation file
during the operation of said item.
23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, wherein
said step (2) comprises the step of associating a designated
option of said two or more options with an option class,
wherein said option class contains inheritable attributes, and
wherein at least some attributes of said designated option are
thereby inherited from said option class.
24. The computer-readable medium of claim 22, further
comprising the step of associating an option constraint with
a first option of said two or more options, wherein said
option constraint implements a relation between said first
option and a second option.
25. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein
said step (2) comprises the step of associating a designated
option of said two or more options with an option class,
wherein said option class contains inheritable constraints,
and wherein at least some constraints of said designated
option are thereby inherited from said option class.
26. The computer-readable medium of claim 24, wherein
the relation between said first option and said second option
is chosen from one of the following group:
a) said first option deselects said second option;
b) said first option requires said second option;
c) said first option forces said second option.

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

* * * * *