Hierarchical Cluster Synchronization for Message Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing message-based processing systems lack flexibility in synchronization control, particularly during testing or debugging, and often operate at the pace of other processing clusters, limiting independent operation.

Innovation Solution

A message-based processing system with a hierarchical control mechanism that includes a synchronization controller that integrates a synchronization controller hierarchy with a synchronization controller that allows for flexible synchronization of processing clusters, enabling independent or synchronized operation of processing clusters based on a synchronization controller hierarchy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If processing clusters are mutually synchronized, then system coordination and reliability are improved, but control delays increase and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidcontrol delays
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides processing clusters into different groups that can be independently synchronized. Each processing cluster can be controlled individually or in groups, allowing selective synchronization without requiring all clusters to wait for each other, thereby reducing control delays while maintaining coordination where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization mechanism is made dynamic and configurable, allowing the system to switch between fully synchronized operation and independent operation of processing clusters. This enables the system to adapt synchronization levels based on specific operational requirements, minimizing unnecessary control delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If processing clusters operate independently at high speed, then productivity is improved, but system control and coordination become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels, allowing independent high-speed operation of processing clusters while maintaining upper-level coordination capabilities. This enables both high productivity and manageable system control through distributed autonomy with oversight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hierarchical control architecture introduces intermediary control layers that facilitate coordination between independently operating processing clusters. These intermediaries enable system-wide control without requiring direct intervention in the high-speed operations of individual clusters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a centralized synchronization controller is used, then system-wide coordination is improved, but device complexity and control bottlenecks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem-wide coordinationVSAvoidcontroller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized synchronization controller is segmented into distributed synchronization controllers, each managing specific groups of processing clusters. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single controller while maintaining system-wide coordination through hierarchical organization of multiple smaller control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control architecture transitions from a single-dimensional centralized structure to a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. This adds organizational dimensions (levels and groups) that distribute control complexity while preserving coordination capabilities through the hierarchical framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If processing clusters wait for synchronization signals, then system coordination is improved, but processing time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidprocessing throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization mechanism dynamically adjusts waiting behavior based on operational mode. In independent operation mode, clusters process without waiting for synchronization signals, maximizing throughput. In coordinated operation mode, selective synchronization is applied only where needed, minimizing waiting time while maintaining necessary coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different synchronization strategies are applied to different groups or individual processing clusters based on local requirements. This allows clusters with independent processing needs to operate without waiting, while clusters requiring coordination maintain synchronization, optimizing overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4446896B1Message based processing system and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SNAP INC
  • EP4446896B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4446896B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4446896B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A message-based processing system (1) is provided with a plurality of clock-driven processing clusters (10), a message exchange network (20, 21, 22) and a processing synchronization hierarchy (3) comprising at least one main level synchronization controller (30), and two or more cluster level synchronization controllers (3000). The processing synchronization hierarchy (3) is configurable in a main operational mode selected from at least a first potential main operational mode (Mm = Mm1) and a second potential main operational mode (Mm=Mm2) to control to which extent said processing clusters are mutually synchronized in accordance with the selected operational mode.