Movable Edge Computing Server Management for Dynamic Capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) systems lack the ability to dynamically manage and utilize temporarily available new computing resources within their coverage area, leading to limitations in computing power, capacity, latency, and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

Introducing movable Edge Computing servers that can physically move within communication networks to provide additional capacity where needed, and an EC management entity that tracks and distributes User Equipment among both movable and stationary servers based on mobility-related parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If only existing fixed MEC system resources are used, then system complexity is kept simple, but computing power, capacity, and coverage area are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing powerVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces movable EC servers that can dynamically relocate within the coverage area to provide computing resources where needed. This dynamic deployment allows the system to adapt to changing demands while maintaining simple fixed infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between limited computing power and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The EC management entity implements universal management capabilities that handle both fixed and movable servers through a unified interface. This multi-functional approach enables the system to leverage diverse computing resources (fixed and movable) without increasing operational complexity, thereby increasing computing power while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If movable EC servers are introduced to increase capacity, then coverage area and flexibility improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EC management entity serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of managing movable servers. It handles server discovery, registration, load distribution, and session management, shielding the rest of the system from the complexity of mobile resource coordination while enabling flexible deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where movable servers report their status, location, and resource availability to the EC management entity. This feedback enables automated decision-making for load distribution and server allocation, reducing the complexity burden on operators while maintaining high flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If computing resources are statically allocated, then system stability is maintained, but latency increases when new computing needs arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Movable EC servers are pre-positioned or可以快速 deployed to anticipated high-demand areas before actual service needs arise. The EC management entity maintains a pool of available movable servers that can be rapidly activated and allocated, reducing the time lag between computing need identification and resource availability while maintaining system stability through controlled deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3635977B1Method and entity for management of movable edge computing servers
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3635977B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3635977B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3635977B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for controlling a session of an application executed by a User Equipment (UE) (303), using an Edge Computing (EC) management entity (300) configured to manage EC servers (220, 520) comprising compute resources, said EC management entity obtaining (703) server information including mobility information related to a first movable EC server (520); managing a connection between the UE and the first movable EC server based on the received mobility information.