Distributed Control Coordinators for Document Processing Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized control architectures in distributed systems become overwhelmed as system size increases, limiting scalability and reconfigurability, especially when dealing with complex document processing systems that require simultaneous tasks and operations on multiple workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system architecture that coordinates multiple controllers through a supervisory element, activating specific coordinators for tasks, identifying subtasks, generating commands, and collecting progress information to manage and deactivate resources efficiently, allowing for simultaneous task execution and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized control architecture is used to coordinate all controllers in the distributed system, then system coordination and control are simplified, but the central controller becomes overwhelmed as system size increases, limiting scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed coordinators, each responsible for specific tasks. Instead of one central controller managing all controllers, multiple coordinators are spawned to handle different tasks independently, distributing the control burden and enabling system scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new organizational dimension by spawning coordinators as separate entities that can be dynamically created and deactivated. This transforms the control architecture from a single-dimensional centralized model to a multi-dimensional distributed model where coordinators operate independently across different task dimensions.
2Productivity
If multiple coordinators are spawned for simultaneous tasks, then system scalability and task parallelism are improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates coordinators with universal functionality that can handle multiple types of tasks. Each coordinator is designed to be multi-functional, capable of managing different subtasks and controllers universally, which reduces the need for specialized coordinator variants and simplifies the overall system architecture despite having multiple coordinators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by spawning coordinator instances that replicate the core coordinator functionality. Instead of creating entirely new control mechanisms for each task, the system copies the proven coordinator template and instantiates it multiple times, each handling specific tasks independently, thereby managing complexity through replication rather than reinvention.
3Reliability
If coordinators are kept active to monitor task progress, then task coordination and progress tracking are improved, but resource consumption and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring where coordinators check task progress at specific intervals rather than continuously. Controllers report subtask completion status periodically to coordinators, allowing reliable progress tracking while reducing the constant resource consumption associated with continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables controllers to self-report their subtask completion status to coordinators. Instead of coordinators actively querying each controller continuously, controllers automatically notify coordinators when subtasks are completed, reducing coordinator workload and resource consumption while maintaining reliable progress monitoring.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed system configuration is used, then system stability and reliability are improved, but reconfigurability and adaptability to different document processing requirements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the system configuration from static to dynamic by allowing coordinators to be spawned and deactivated based on task requirements. The system can dynamically adjust its configuration by creating new coordinators for additional tasks or deactivating them when tasks are completed, maintaining stability during operation while enabling reconfigurability for different document processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Respective coordinators are spawned or activated to coordinate activities with regard to respective tasks. Where the respective tasks require cooperative efforts of a plurality of controllers, the respective coordinators ensure cooperative efforts by generating and communicating cooperative commands to the plurality of controllers. The coordinators may act as clearinghouses for system data, selectively requesting and relaying system information to appropriate controllers. For example, a document processing system activates respective coordinators for respective sheets of print media. The respective coordinators orchestrate the transportation of the sheets by sequentially orchestrating the activities of sequentially selected pluralities of transportation actuator controllers. Selected sheet position information from sensors and/or from models maintained by the actuator controllers may be relayed by the coordinators to selected actuator controllers as appropriate to the sheet transportation tasks.