Container Execution Module for Sensor State Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing systems face challenges in managing sensor states across multiple information processing terminals, particularly when using inexpensive SoC-based terminals, leading to issues with timely recognition of sensors and subsequent data processing failures.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves offloading sensor state management to the information processing terminals themselves, utilizing container image files distributed via a management computer. These container image files include a device file monitoring module that ensures the application within the container is only started once the sensor device file is generated, thereby avoiding data processing failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the application in the container is started before the sensor device file is generated, then the system can start processing quickly, but the application cannot acquire the device file and fails to recognize the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication startup speedVSAvoidsensor recognition reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the container execution module check whether the sensor device file has been generated before starting the application. This pre-check ensures that the application only starts when the necessary device file is ready, preventing startup failures while maintaining efficient processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the management computer collects sensor information in advance, then sensor state can be managed, but the cost of managing large numbers of sensors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor state managementVSAvoidmanagement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling each information processing terminal to autonomously manage its own sensor state. The container execution module on each terminal checks for device file generation and manages sensor recognition locally, eliminating the need for centralized collection and management of sensor information by the management computer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If the OS recognition time for the sensor is reduced, then the application can start faster, but the sensor type and manufacturer variations cause unpredictable timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice file generation timeVSAvoidtiming predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback by having the container execution module continuously monitor whether the sensor device file has been generated by the OS. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying recognition times across different sensor types and manufacturers, ensuring the application starts only when ready without requiring predictable timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12340228B2Information processing terminal and sensing system

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

An information processing terminal includes a processor, a memory, a communication unit, a container reception module, a container execution module and a sensor. The container reception module receives a container image via the communication unit. The container execution module boots the container when the container image is received and executes the application contained in the container image. The container boots the application based on the recognition situation about the sensor is recognized. The application executes a predetermined processing for sensing data acquired from the sensor.