Dynamic Logical Device Assignment for Heterogeneous Real Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device management platforms face difficulties in providing services when the number or type of real devices is insufficient, as they require fixed mappings and cannot dynamically assign logical devices to available real devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically assigning logical devices to real devices based on interface correspondence and evaluation indices, allowing for flexible assignment and communication between logical and real device interfaces, even when the number and types of real devices are insufficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mapping architecture is used for device interface, then device management is simplified, but adaptability to different device types and numbers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different device typesVSAvoiddevice management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a device management platform as an intermediary layer between real devices and logical devices. This platform includes a device information acquisition unit that collects device interface information, a determination unit that evaluates compatibility using multiple criteria, and an assignment unit that dynamically maps logical devices to real devices. This intermediary architecture enables flexible adaptation to different device types while maintaining simplified management through automated assignment algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic device assignment where the mapping between logical devices and real devices is not fixed but determined at runtime based on current device availability and compatibility. The determination unit continuously evaluates device interface information and adjusts assignments accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing device configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration or fixed mappings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If fixed number of real devices is prescribed, then service implementation is straightforward, but service provision becomes difficult when device availability changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provision efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility to device availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device information acquisition unit continuously monitors real device availability and interface information. This information feeds back to the determination unit, which uses evaluation indices to assess compatibility and update device assignments. This closed-loop feedback system enables the platform to automatically adjust to changes in device availability, maintaining service provision efficiency without requiring fixed device prescriptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of device compatibility by acquiring and storing device interface information before actual service execution. The determination unit pre-assesses which real devices can satisfy logical device requirements using multiple evaluation criteria. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly assign available devices when services need to be provisioned, improving efficiency without requiring fixed device allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If strict interface matching is required, then communication reliability is improved, but device utilization decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice utilization flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters used for interface matching by introducing multiple evaluation indices that assess different aspects of interface compatibility. Instead of requiring strict one-to-one interface matching, the system evaluates functional equivalence, data format compatibility, and communication protocol alignment. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain communication reliability while accepting a broader range of device interfaces through flexible matching criteria.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11249929B2Evaluation index based device allocation method, system, and program

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

A logical device for implementing a service can be dynamically assigned to an available real device. A real device assignment request relating to a registered service program is transmitted to a real device assignment determination section (112) under the control of a registration management section (1111) of a service program management section (111). An assignment of a logic device relating to the service program to a real device is determined based on logic device information, real device interface assignment information, and real device information relating to an available real device under the control of the real device assignment determination section (112). Based on the assignment information, communication processing of a control command and data between the logic device relating to the service program and the real device to which the logic device is assigned.