Network Scheduler Task Assignment via Priority Ranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems struggle to provide consistent and high-quality services due to the limitations of individual devices, even with advanced image processing capabilities and multiple information processing terminals, as they often lack efficient task distribution and resource management.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and system that includes a scheduler to dynamically assign tasks to nodes on a network based on priority rankings, allowing for efficient task distribution and resource utilization, even when the primary scheduler is unavailable, by enabling other apparatuses to function as potential schedulers and ensuring continuous processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single information processing apparatus is used to provide services, then device complexity is reduced, but service quality and processing capacity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice qualityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the information processing network into hierarchical segments: one scheduler apparatus (rank 1) responsible for task assignment, and multiple node apparatuses (rank 2 or lower) responsible for task execution. This segmentation allows complex services to be distributed across multiple devices while maintaining manageable complexity through clear role differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a priority rank dimension to organize apparatuses, creating a hierarchical structure where apparatuses are assigned ranks (1 being highest). This dimensional organization enables efficient task distribution by directing tasks to appropriate-rank apparatuses, improving service quality without requiring flat-scale complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the scheduler apparatus always assigns tasks, then task distribution efficiency is high, but system reliability decreases when the scheduler is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsystem availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Node apparatuses pre-register their availability and capabilities with the scheduler before tasks are assigned. This preliminary action ensures that when the scheduler is unavailable, nodes are already positioned and ready to receive and execute tasks directly from clients, maintaining system reliability without sacrificing normal operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The scheduler acts as an intermediary during normal operation, efficiently distributing tasks. However, the system design allows this intermediary role to be bypassed when the scheduler is unavailable, with clients directly interacting with node apparatuses. This dual-path approach maintains both efficiency during normal operation and reliability during scheduler unavailability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple apparatuses function as schedulers, then system reliability improves, but device complexity and coordination overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduler availabilityVSAvoidscheduler coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduler rank is dynamically assigned based on real-time conditions rather than fixed configuration. Any apparatus can become the rank 1 scheduler by demonstrating availability and capability, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliability without complex pre-configuration or coordination protocols for multiple schedulers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If tasks are distributed across multiple nodes, then processing capacity increases, but coordination complexity and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidtask coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Tasks are segmented into discrete units that can be independently assigned to different node apparatuses. The scheduler divides work into manageable task segments, assigning them to appropriate nodes based on current load and capability. This segmentation enables parallel processing across multiple nodes while keeping coordination simple through clear task boundaries and independent execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9626217B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, recording medium and information processing system

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus including a receiver configured to receive a request to perform processing related to a task, from a first information processing apparatus which functions as a client on a network; a scheduler configured to, when a rank of a priority of the scheduler of the information processing apparatus among information processing apparatuses on the network is a first predetermined rank or higher, assign the task to one or a plurality of second information processing apparatuses which function as nodes on the network; and a transmitter configured to transmit a request to execute processing related to the task assigned to the one or the plurality of second information processing apparatuses.