Proxy Computing for Portable Terminals via Networked Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-sized information processing (IP) apparatuses face limitations in computing capacity and storage compared to larger ones, making it difficult to achieve performance comparable to larger systems, especially in terms of resource constraints.

Innovation Solution

An IP system that enables proxy computing, where a user-operated IP apparatus requests another connected IP apparatus to perform computations, allowing the use of available computing resources and software, with mechanisms for halting and switching between IP apparatuses to maintain continuous performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If small-sized IP apparatuses are used for portability and ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but computing capacity and storage capacity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcomputing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that manages and allocates computing resources. The small IP apparatus (portable terminal) connects to this server, which acts as a mediator to provide access to remote computing resources, thereby compensating for the limited local computing capacity of portable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the system from a single-device dimension to a networked dimension by connecting multiple IP apparatuses via a network. This allows portable terminals to access computing resources located in another dimension (remote servers), effectively overcoming local resource limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If proxy computing is executed on another IP apparatus, then computing resource utilization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing resource utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic resource allocation and task management mechanisms where the system itself handles the complexity of proxy computing setup, resource matching, and task distribution. This self-service approach allows computing resources to be utilized efficiently without requiring users to manually manage the complex proxy computing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If computing resources are allocated dynamically among multiple IP apparatuses, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential execution interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidexecution continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors the status of computing resources and task execution progress. Based on this feedback, the system can dynamically adjust resource allocation while maintaining execution continuity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pre-allocation and backup mechanisms where alternative computing resources are prepared in advance. If the primary executing apparatus becomes unavailable, the system can switch to pre-prepared backup resources, cushioning against execution interruptions and maintaining reliability despite dynamic resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2053508B1Information processing system, information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2053508B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2053508B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2053508B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In an information processing system (100) in Fig. 1, mobile terminal devices (10a, 10b), a server (12), a software providing PC (14), arithmetic operation capability providing PC's (16a, 16b) are connected with a network (8), respectively. The arithmetic operation capability providing PC's (16a, 16b) register themselves as available PC's at the server (12) during such a period that an owner does not carry out ordinary processing. The mobile terminal device (10a) acquires, by inquiring the server (12), an address of the arithmetic operation capability providing PC (16a) that the mobile terminal device (10a) can ask to carry out deputy processing, and asks to do it. When necessary, the software providing PC (14) transfers software to the arithmetic operation capability providing PC (16a), and the arithmetic operation capability providing PC (16a) carries out the deputy processing as requested and transmits its result to the mobile terminal device (10a). In the execution of the deputy processing, management devices (18a, 18c, 18d) and the like carry out mutual authenticating, encrypting, decoding and the like.