Network-Enabled Device Failover via Capability Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network-enabled devices lack efficient mechanisms for functionality reassignment upon device failure, leading to potential service disruptions and the need for spare or identical backup devices, which is impractical in non-structured real-world systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where network-enabled devices communicate capability information and status signals to identify and assign failover functions to devices with similar capabilities, allowing dynamic reassignment of functions without the need for one-to-one device mappings, using a distributed approach to manage resource allocation and reduce network traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional network-enabled devices are used without functionality reassignment mechanisms, then device failure leads to service disruption, but implementing spare or identical backup devices increases system complexity and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal function assignment mechanism where any network-enabled device can potentially perform any function assigned to it. Devices communicate their capabilities through capability information signals, and the system dynamically assigns functions based on current device status and capability matching, rather than requiring dedicated backup devices for each function. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain service continuity while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic function reassignment where function assignments are not fixed but can change based on device status. When a device fails or becomes unavailable, the system dynamically identifies alternative devices with matching capabilities and reassigns functions in real-time. This dynamic approach ensures service continuity without requiring pre-configured static backup arrangements, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If identical backup devices are deployed for every network-enabled device, then service continuity is maintained upon failure, but resource requirements and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying identical backup devices for each network-enabled device, the system implements a universal pool of devices that can perform multiple functions. Each device advertises its capabilities through capability information signals, and the system matches these capabilities against required functions dynamically. This allows a smaller number of devices to support more functions, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the backup function into the general device pool rather than maintaining separate dedicated backup devices. When a device fails, its function is reassigned to another device from the same pool that has matching capabilities. This merging approach eliminates the need for duplicate identical devices, reducing resource requirements while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If centralized function assignment is implemented, then function reassignment is simplified, but network traffic and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having devices proactively communicate their capability information signals to the network before function assignment is needed. This pre-registration of capabilities allows the system to quickly match and assign functions when a device fails, reducing the processing overhead and network traffic during actual failover events. The capability information is prepared in advance, enabling rapid function reassignment without extensive real-time analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems and computer program products for operating and controlling network-enabled devices. A network-enabled device communicates capability information representative of its set of capabilities. The network-enabled device also communicates a status signal indicative of the status of the device. It may be determined that the first network-enabled device is unable or unavailable to perform a function based on a status signal communicated by the first network-enabled device. A second network-enabled device may be identified to assign a failover function to based on the respective capabilities of the second network-enabled devices.