Dynamic Resource Scaling in Real-Time Stream Computing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Real-time stream processing systems face inefficiencies due to fluctuations in data flow, leading to wasted computing resources as they cannot automatically adjust computing node operations to match workload demands, requiring manual intervention and service disruptions for resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically adjust computing resources by acquiring processing status, splitting message clusters, and assigning them to multiple computing units based on workload conditions, allowing for automatic augmentation or release of resources without service interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If computing resources are allocated based on maximum capacity to ensure real-time processing during high peaks, then system reliability is improved, but computing resources are wasted during low data-processing periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time processing capabilityVSAvoidcomputing resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts computing resources by monitoring data flow characteristics in real-time and automatically scaling computing nodes up or down based on actual workload demands, transforming the static resource allocation into a dynamic adaptive system that matches resource supply with actual processing needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors data flow volume and processing status, using this information to automatically adjust the number of active computing nodes, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing workload conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the number of computing nodes is adjusted manually to match workload fluctuations, then resource utilization is improved, but system complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by implementing automated monitoring and decision-making algorithms that independently determine when to scale computing nodes up or down based on predefined thresholds and current workload conditions, eliminating the need for manual operational intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If computing nodes are added or removed to adjust computing resources, then system adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases due to topological structure changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing resource flexibilityVSAvoidtopological allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the computing task graph into independent, loosely-coupled micro-tasks that can be dynamically assigned to different computing nodes without requiring global topological reconfiguration, allowing individual node addition or removal without affecting the entire system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If message stream processing uses point-to-point synchronous transmission, then message transmission reliability is improved, but system adaptability decreases due to closely coupled upstream and downstream computing nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcomputing node independence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a message queue as an intermediary component between upstream and downstream computing nodes, decoupling their direct synchronous connection while maintaining reliable message transmission through asynchronous queue-based communication that allows independent node operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3129880B1Method and device for augmenting and releasing capacity of computing resources in real-time stream computing system
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LTD
  • EP3129880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3129880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3129880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for augmenting the capacity of computing resources in a real-time stream computing system is provided. In the system, computing tasks are transmitted by distributed message queues. The method includes determining whether the system includes a first computing unit having a workload exceeding pre-determined conditions; splitting a computing task transmitted through the distributed message queue and to be processed by the first computing unit that has a workload exceeding the pre-determined conditions, into a number of split computing tasks, and assigning the split computing tasks to a number of second computing units for processing, the number of second computing units corresponding to the number of split computing tasks.