Centralized Dashboard Deployment for Distributed Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing and control systems, the physical installation and configuration of dashboards on multiple devices in distinct locations lead to inefficiencies in resource utilization and productivity due to the need for manual setup at each location.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method configures and controls dashboard instances across multiple device nodes in a distributed heterogeneous system, allowing for centralized design and deployment of dashboard elements, including graphical components and control elements, via a communication facility, enabling efficient data and control element presentation across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical installation and configuration of dashboards is performed at each device location, then dashboard functionality is achieved at each location, but resource utilization and productivity are reduced due to manual setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of dashboard instances that can be deployed to multiple device nodes simultaneously. Instead of physically installing dashboard software at each location, a centralized design computer generates virtual dashboard instances that are copied and distributed across the network to various device nodes, eliminating manual physical installation while maintaining full dashboard functionality at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized design computer as an intermediary between the dashboard design process and the distributed device nodes. This design computer generates dashboard instances and communicates them through a communication facility to multiple device nodes, automating the deployment process and eliminating the need for operators to physically visit each location for manual configuration.
2Productivity
If centralized design and deployment of dashboard instances is implemented, then resource utilization and productivity are improved, but system complexity increases due to network communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal dashboard instance format that can be deployed to multiple different types of device nodes across the network. The centralized design computer generates dashboard instances using a standardized communication facility that can interface with various device types, allowing the same dashboard design to be universally deployed across heterogeneous devices without increasing individual device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the dashboard system into two distinct parts: a centralized design computer that handles dashboard creation and instance generation, and distributed device nodes that simply receive and execute dashboard instances. This segmentation isolates the complexity of dashboard design and communication protocols to the centralized system, while keeping individual device nodes simple and easy to manage.
3Reliability
If manual physical installation is performed at each location, then dashboard functionality is achieved, but time consumption increases due to operator travel and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary dashboard design and instance generation at the centralized design computer before deployment to device nodes. The design computer creates complete, functional dashboard instances in advance, incorporating all necessary configurations, data sources, and visualizations. This preliminary action ensures dashboard functionality is fully prepared before distribution, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site manual configuration while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical dashboard installation and manual configuration with an automated electronic communication system. Instead of operators physically traveling to each location to install and configure dashboards, the system uses a communication facility to electronically transmit dashboard instances from the design computer to device nodes, dramatically reducing time consumption while ensuring consistent functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method characterizes and controls performance of a set of device nodes in a distributed heterogeneous computing and control system. The device nodes are in physically distinct locations, in communication with one another over a network. One or more of the device nodes require different application programming code due to differences in hardware configuration or software configuration. The method includes configuring, by a design computer, for introduction into each distinct one of the device nodes, a corresponding communication facility and a corresponding dashboard instance. After introduction of the communication facility and dashboard instance into each device node, the design computer includes a communication facility in communication with the corresponding communication facility of each device node. Any given dashboard instance, either in the design computer or one of the device nodes, is configurable to display data and control elements associated with a selected one of the device nodes.