Cloud Test Capacity Allocation for Factory Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for allocating test capacity in physical factories are inefficient due to inaccurate demand predictions and manual interactions, leading to idle equipment and high costs, as they fail to adapt to changes in product demand and require dedicated physical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that automatically allocates test capacity from cloud systems in real-time based on identified product demand, utilizing a test controller coupled to a cloud system to share idle resources among geographically separated sites, thereby optimizing resource utilization and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated physical test equipment is built at physical factories based on predicted test capacity, then test capacity is available for products, but equipment becomes idle and costs increase when demand changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal test capacity pool in the cloud system that can serve multiple factories and product types. Instead of dedicated equipment at each factory, a centralized cloud-based test infrastructure provides test capacity to multiple locations, allowing the same resources to be shared across different sites and product lines, thus eliminating idle equipment while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent virtualizes test capacity by creating virtual copies of test equipment in the cloud system. These virtual test capacity instances can be allocated dynamically to different factories as needed, replacing physical dedicated equipment. The virtualized test capacity can be replicated and distributed across multiple locations without requiring physical hardware at each site.
2Reliability
If predicted test capacity is used to build physical test infrastructure, then initial test needs are met, but the system cannot adapt to changes in product demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic test capacity allocation through a cloud-based system that can adjust resource distribution in real-time based on actual demand. The test capacity pool and allocation mechanisms allow the system to adapt flexibly to changing product demand, scaling resources up or down as needed, unlike static physical infrastructure built on predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of test capacity from fixed physical hardware to flexible virtualized resources. By transitioning from physical equipment with fixed capacity to virtualized test capacity in the cloud, the system can dynamically adjust parameters such as allocation amount, location, and timing to match actual demand patterns.
3Ease of operation
If manual interactions are used for test capacity allocation, then control is maintained, but efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service allocation mechanisms where the cloud-based test capacity pool automatically allocates and manages test resources based on factory requests and system policies. The allocation process is handled autonomously through virtualized resource management, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining control through automated policies and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the cloud system continuously monitors test capacity usage, demand patterns, and allocation efficiency. This feedback enables automated adjustments to allocation strategies, optimizing resource distribution dynamically while maintaining control through data-driven decision-making rather than manual processes.
4Ease of operation
If physical test equipment is located at each factory site, then local testing is enabled, but server room usage and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the test capacity functionality from physical factory locations and consolidates it into a centralized cloud-based test capacity pool. By taking out the test equipment from local factory server rooms and relocating it to a centralized cloud infrastructure, the system maintains local testing capability through virtual access while dramatically reducing the physical footprint and power consumption at individual factory sites.
Data Source
AI summary
Allocating test capacity from cloud systems can include identifying a product to be tested. Allocating test capacity from cloud systems can include automatically allocating a test capacity during runtime in response to the identification, the test capacity being provided by a test controller coupled to a cloud system.