Executable Component Interface Controller for Data Pipeline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex data processing pipelines in systems like autonomous vehicles are challenging to tune due to their complexity, which can obscure issues and lead to non-deterministic outputs, especially when components operate in parallel across different computing nodes.
Innovation Solution
A framework that controls inputs, outputs, and execution states of components deterministically, allowing for the replacement of components in a 'plug-and-play' manner and reproducing system behavior using log data, with controllers managing I/O interfaces and execution states to ensure consistent performance across different hardware environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex data processing pipelines are used to control systems, then system functionality and processing capability are improved, but tuning performance becomes difficult and output becomes non-deterministic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data processing pipeline into isolated, independently controllable components. Each component is encapsulated with well-defined interfaces, allowing the system to maintain complex functionality while enabling deterministic control through modular organization. This segmentation prevents performance issues in one component from propagating unpredictably through the entire pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary layers between pipeline components, including standardized I/O interfaces and control mechanisms that mediate data flow and component interaction. These intermediaries enforce consistent communication protocols and timing, ensuring deterministic behavior across the complex pipeline while preserving adaptability through configurable interface definitions.
2Productivity
If components operate in parallel across different computing nodes, then processing speed and throughput are improved, but system complexity increases and issues become obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal, standardized interfaces and communication protocols that work consistently across different computing nodes and parallel components. This universality allows the system to scale parallel processing capabilities while managing complexity through consistent interaction patterns, enabling throughput improvement without proportional increases in operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor component performance and system state across parallel operations. This feedback enables centralized coordination and debugging capabilities, allowing the system to maintain high throughput while reducing obscured issues through real-time performance tracking and automated adjustment of parallel processing parameters.
3Productivity
If an element of the data processing pipeline is performing sub-optimally, then overall system performance degrades, but the complexity obscures the problematic element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's segmented modular architecture isolates pipeline elements with clear boundaries and interfaces, making it easier to identify which specific component is performing sub-optimally. Each module can be independently tested and diagnosed, preventing performance issues from being obscured by the complexity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback and monitoring mechanisms that track performance metrics at each pipeline stage. This enables rapid detection of sub-optimal elements through automated performance tracking and alerting, reducing the difficulty of identifying problematic components even in complex, high-performance systems.
4Reliability
If the entire data processing pipeline is reconfigured to replace a component, then optimal performance can be achieved, but time and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's modular segmented design enables replacement of individual pipeline components without affecting other parts of the system. Each component is independently deployable and replaceable through standardized interfaces, allowing optimal performance to be achieved by swapping only the problematic element rather than reconfiguring the entire pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-configured standardized interfaces and validation mechanisms that enable rapid component replacement. By establishing universal connection protocols and pre-validating component compatibility, the system allows quick swapping of pipeline elements without requiring extensive reconfiguration time, thus maintaining optimality while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller may control input to, output from, and execution of a component of a data-processing pipeline via an interface. The interface facilitates replacing the component with a different and/or updated component and/or changing a type of controller that controls the component via the interface. For example, the different types of controllers may facilitate communication between components controlled by other controllers (and/or that aren't controlled by a controller), controllers that generate reproducibility data so that component behavior may be reproduced, controllers that reproduce component behavior, and/or controllers that tune performance of the data-processing pipeline, e.g., by varying input, output, and execution of respective component(s).