Distributed Task Execution for Video Delivery Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face inefficiencies in using computing resources when performing tests to detect performance degradation and SLA latency breaches in video delivery services, as they typically conduct individual tests without effectively leveraging available resources across multiple locations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing helper client computing devices that can execute shared task code to assist master computing devices in processing tasks, allowing dynamic formation of groups across locations to efficiently use resources and perform cross-location measurements, with helper clients determining their role and executing relevant portions of the task code to test video delivery systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data centers perform tests individually, then each data center can independently monitor its own service performance, but computing resources are not efficiently utilized and testing coverage is limited to single locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice performance monitoringVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines individual data center testing capabilities into a coordinated distributed testing network. Helper client computing devices from multiple data centers are merged into testing groups that execute tasks collectively, allowing resources to be shared and utilized efficiently while maintaining comprehensive service performance monitoring across all locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The task code is designed with universal functionality that can be executed by helper client computing devices across different data centers. The same task code performs different local testing functions at each location based on the helper device's role assignment, enabling multi-functional testing coverage without requiring location-specific customizations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If data centers perform tests individually, then each location maintains independence and simplicity in operation, but cross-location performance degradation detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent testing operationVSAvoidperformance degradation detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into master computing devices that coordinate tests and helper client computing devices that execute local portions. Each helper device operates independently with simplified local execution of assigned task portions, while the segmentation enables comprehensive cross-location performance measurement through coordinated results aggregation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If helper client computing devices wait in groups for task requests, then resource allocation becomes dynamic and flexible, but response time for task assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic resource allocationVSAvoidtask assignment response time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Helper client computing devices perform preliminary actions by pre-configuring themselves with task code and maintaining readiness states in their respective groups before tasks are assigned. This preliminary preparation allows them to quickly respond to task requests without requiring time-consuming configuration or setup when actually assigned work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If the same task code is executed by master and helper computing devices, then task processing becomes standardized and easier to manage, but each device must process the entire task code even if only portions are relevant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask code standardizationVSAvoidcomputational energy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and assigns specific portions of the task code to each helper client computing device based on its role in the testing group. While the complete task code is standardized and available to all devices for consistency, each helper device only executes the relevant portions assigned to it, eliminating computational waste while maintaining standardization benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10250482B2Distributed task execution in different locations with dynamic formation of testing groups

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 HULU LLC

AI summary

Particular embodiments execute tasks to measure performance in a computing system. The method uses a master computing device and helper client computing devices. The helper client computing devices may be situated in a pool where the helper client computing devices are available to help a master computing device to perform a task. When the master computing device wants to perform a task, the master computing device may send a message to the pool requesting help with a task. Helper client computing devices can respond to the message when the helper clients are available to join in groups to process tasks. Once the master computing device configures a group with helper client computing devices that responded to the message, the master computing device and the helper client computing devices perform the task together.