Job Management System for Scalable Client Device Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for updating or configuring client devices in a communication network require individualized addressing and management, which can be inefficient for complex interactions and large-scale deployments, especially for devices with limited input or output capabilities like embedded appliances.

Innovation Solution

A job management system that allows users to specify job definition information to identify and manage sets of client devices, using protocols like MQTT for communication, enabling batch processing and scheduling of tasks across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individualized addressing and management methods are used for client devices, then each device can be precisely controlled and configured, but the management efficiency decreases and scalability is limited when dealing with large-scale deployments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice management efficiencyVSAvoidManagement scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the management approach by introducing a job management system that divides device management into discrete, manageable job units. Each job represents a specific configuration or update task that can be independently defined, assigned to target devices, and executed separately. This segmentation enables efficient batch processing while maintaining precise control over individual device operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The job management system acts as an intermediary layer between administrators and client devices. Instead of directly addressing individual devices, administrators submit job definitions to the job management system, which then handles the distribution, scheduling, and execution of tasks across multiple devices. This intermediary approach simplifies the management interface while enabling scalable deployment across large device fleets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If complex interactions and bulk updates are implemented across multiple devices, then management scalability improves, but the complexity of the management system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManagement scalabilityVSAvoidManagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by requiring complete job definition information to be submitted before execution begins. All configuration parameters, target device criteria, and execution instructions are predefined and validated in advance. This preliminary setup phase separates the complexity of job configuration from the simplicity of job execution, allowing bulk operations to be performed with minimal real-time management overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The job management system introduces dynamic capabilities by enabling jobs to be scheduled, prioritized, and executed based on changing conditions. The system can dynamically assign jobs to available devices, handle execution failures through retry logic, and adapt to device availability changes. This dynamic approach manages complexity through automated decision-making rather than static, rigid control structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If batch processing and scheduling of tasks are implemented, then the need for individualized user intervention is reduced, but the automation complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveReduction of user interventionVSAvoidSystem automation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The job management system implements self-service capabilities by automatically handling task distribution, execution monitoring, and result collection without requiring continuous user intervention. Once jobs are submitted with defined parameters, the system autonomously manages the entire execution lifecycle including device selection, task deployment, status tracking, and error handling. This self-service approach minimizes manual involvement while managing automation complexity through standardized processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10871987B1Distributed execution of tasks on client devices
Publication Date: 2020.12.22 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US10871987B1 patent drawing
  • US10871987B1 patent drawing
  • US10871987B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication system and method for the utilization of a job management system to provide computing devices operational information. The job management system obtains a job definition from a user via a user device. The job management system processes the job definition to create job task workflow to be implemented by one or more identified client devices. The job management system can then monitor the implementation of the job task workflow.