Resource Control Devices for Workflow Stage Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computing resources in data centers are often limited, leading to inefficiencies in workflow processing as multiple server computing devices compete for access, resulting in potential overloading and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a resource control system where each computing resource is monitored by a resource control device that manages access, allowing server computing devices to request access and adjust processing states based on availability, with proxy control devices assisting in overload management by forwarding requests and reducing communication load on resource control devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple server computing devices compete for access to limited computing resources, then resource utilization increases, but system overloading and workflow processing delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing resource availabilityVSAvoidworkflow processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the resource management function into separate resource control devices, each responsible for specific computing resources. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and control of different resources, preventing bottlenecking and enabling parallel workflow processing without system-wide overloading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resource control device monitors resource availability in advance and proactively manages workflow stages before resource shortages occur. By predicting resource needs and pre-adjusting workflow processing states, the system prevents overloading and maintains continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If server computing devices continuously monitor resource availability, then access control accuracy improves, but communication overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource access control accuracyVSAvoiddevice power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements unidirectional feedback where resource control devices send availability information to server computing devices without requiring continuous bidirectional communication. Server devices respond only when needed, reducing communication overhead while maintaining accurate resource access control through periodic status updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic status updates from resource control devices. Servers check resource availability at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable access control through consistent periodic information exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Extent of automation

If resource control devices manage all access requests directly, then centralization control improves, but system complexity and communication load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized resource managementVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces proxy control devices as intermediaries between server computing devices and resource control devices. These proxies handle local access requests and forward only essential information to central control devices, reducing communication load while maintaining centralized automation control through hierarchical architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into multiple levels: local proxy control devices for immediate request handling and central resource control devices for coordination. This segmentation distributes computational complexity across hierarchical layers, reducing the burden on any single device while maintaining centralized automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9152460B1Management of computing devices processing workflow stages of a resource dependent workflow
Publication Date: 2015.10.06 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US9152460B1 patent drawing
  • US9152460B1 patent drawing
  • US9152460B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and method for the management of resource dependent workflows are provided. One or more resource control devices monitor usage of a computing resource by server computing devices. Each resource control device may direct a server computing device to proceed with a workflow or to pause processing a workflow. A resource control device may further direct a server computing device to take resource conserving actions. When a computing resource is determined to be available, a resource control device may direct a paused server computing device to resume a workflow.