BAS Controller Real-Time Backup with SD Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building automation system (BAS) controllers require manual and time-consuming backup processes for software configuration and database information, leading to potential data loss and inefficiencies due to outdated backups.
Innovation Solution
A BAS controller with an internal storage device and a secure digital (SD) card with an embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) chip for automatic and real-time backup of operating system and configuration/data information, with encryption for secure external storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual backup process is used, then data can be backed up to internal storage, but the process is time-consuming and requires majority of processor and storage resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting data changes and initiating backup processes immediately when changes occur, rather than waiting for manual intervention or scheduled intervals. This ensures data is backed up promptly while minimizing processor and storage resource consumption through intelligent change detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup system operates autonomously by self-monitoring for data changes, self-initiating backup operations, and self-managing the backup process without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming aspect of manual backups while maintaining data reliability.
2Reliability
If backup is performed on set schedule manually, then data can be backed up, but the backup data can be days, weeks, or even months old
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of data changes through file system change detection mechanisms. When changes are detected in configuration or database files, the system immediately triggers a backup operation, ensuring that backup data is always current and preventing information loss by eliminating the delays inherent in scheduled manual backups.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup process operates continuously in the background, constantly monitoring for data changes and performing backups immediately when changes occur. This continuous operation ensures that backup data is always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention or suffering from the time delays associated with periodic scheduling, thereby preventing information loss.
3Ease of repair
If manual backup restoration is required, then data can be recovered, but complete loss of configuration and database information can occur requiring re-creation from scratch
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary backup actions automatically whenever data changes occur, ensuring that current configuration and database information is always preserved before any potential failure. This preliminary action eliminates the risk of complete data loss by maintaining up-to-date backups without requiring manual intervention during critical recovery scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup and restoration system operates autonomously, automatically detecting failures and restoring data from the latest backup without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service capability ensures both ease of repair and high reliability by guaranteeing that current data is always recoverable even in failure scenarios.
4Productivity
If automated real-time backup is implemented, then processor and storage resource load is reduced, but system complexity increases with external storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the backup function from the main processor operations by implementing an autonomous backup subsystem that independently monitors data changes and manages backup operations. This extraction reduces the processor and storage resource load on the main system while the added complexity of external storage is justified by the significant gains in backup efficiency and data safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A building automation system (BAS) controller configured for use in a BAS is disclosed. The BAS controller includes an internal storage device for storing a first type of data and a second type of data, and a processor in operative communication with the internal storage device. The BAS controller is configured to automatically store the first type of data and the second type of data to the internal storage device and the second type of data to an external storage device.