Dynamic Load Balancing for ML Inference in Mobile Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cloud-based mobile systems face challenges in providing efficient machine learning due to high latency and bandwidth saturation, as they rely on a centralized structure that is geographically distant from users, leading to inefficient power usage and performance fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic load balancing of machine learning operations between edge computing devices and cloud computing systems, where inference operations are dynamically shifted based on environmental factors such as bandwidth and CPU frequency to optimize performance and power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If machine learning operations are executed on centralized cloud computing systems, then processing power and computational resources are improved, but latency and bandwidth saturation increase due to geographical distance from users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational resourcesVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments machine learning operations into two categories: training operations executed on centralized cloud computing systems and inference operations executed on distributed edge computing devices. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the computational power of the cloud while reducing latency for real-time inference by processing data locally at the network edge, thus resolving the contradiction between centralized processing power and distributed low-latency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If machine learning operations are executed on edge computing devices, then latency is reduced and bandwidth consumption is decreased, but power consumption increases on mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic load balancing that adaptively adjusts the distribution of machine learning operations between edge devices and cloud systems based on real-time environmental factors such as device power state, network conditions, and computational workload. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the trade-off between latency reduction and power consumption by flexibly migrating operations between execution locations rather than using a static deployment model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If machine learning operations are dynamically balanced between edge devices and cloud systems, then power efficiency and performance are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveperformanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the load balancing system continuously monitors environmental factors including device power state, network bandwidth conditions, and computational performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the distribution of training and inference operations between edge devices and cloud systems, enabling automated optimization of power efficiency and performance without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11620207B2Power efficient machine learning in cloud-backed mobile systems
Publication Date: 2023.04.04 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US11620207B2 patent drawing
  • US11620207B2 patent drawing
  • US11620207B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments are provided for load balancing of machine learning operations in a computing environment by a processor. One or more machine learning operations performing inference or training operations may by dynamically balanced between one or more edge computing devices in a wireless communication network and a cloud computing system for increasing performance of a selected metric.