Dynamic Switching Between Bypass and Communication Paths

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face inefficiencies in communication and power consumption due to the lack of dynamic control over communication paths between computation devices, leading to suboptimal network configurations and increased power usage.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus with a control device that manages a network of computation devices, utilizing a bypass section and switching section to dynamically switch between communication paths at different protocol layers, allowing for efficient reconfiguration of connections and power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct connection methods are used between computation devices, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases due to continuous operation of communication sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two communication modes: direct connection mode (bypass section active) for high-speed communication and indirect connection mode (communication section active) for power-saving operation. The switching section dynamically changes connection states based on communication requirements, allowing the system to adapt between speed and power consumption needs in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different connection qualities to different communication scenarios by providing separate bypass sections for direct connection and communication sections for indirect connection. Each computation device has locally configured switching sections that can independently select the appropriate connection type based on specific communication requirements, enabling localized optimization of power consumption versus communication speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If indirect connection methods through external routers are used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two communication modes: direct connection mode (bypass section active) for high-speed communication and indirect connection mode (communication section active) for power-saving operation. The switching section dynamically changes connection states based on communication requirements, allowing the system to adapt between speed and power consumption needs in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces switching sections as intermediary components that can route communications through different paths. The switching section acts as a local mediator that can bypass external routers when direct connection is available, reducing latency while still enabling power-saving indirect connections when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If communication sections are continuously operated for reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between two communication modes: direct connection mode (bypass section active) for high-speed communication and indirect connection mode (communication section active) for power-saving operation. The switching section dynamically changes connection states based on communication requirements, allowing the system to adapt between speed and power consumption needs in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables periodic switching between direct and indirect connection modes based on communication activity patterns. The switching section can transition between bypass and communication section usage in response to periodic communication demands, maintaining reliability during active periods while saving power during idle periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9117034B2Data processing apparatus, computation device, control method for data processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.08.25 FUJITSU LTD

AI summary

A data processing apparatus includes a plurality of computation devices connected to each other by a communication path. Each of the computation devices includes: a switching section provided to each of terminals and switchable between an upper layer use state in which communication is performed by a communication section between a given terminal of a plurality of terminals and a corresponding internal path and there is no connection performed by a bypass section between a corresponding pair of the plurality of the terminals, and an upper layer non-use state in which communication is not performed by a communication section between the given terminal of the plurality of the terminals and the corresponding internal path and connection is performed by the bypass section between the corresponding pair of the plurality of the terminals.