Function Block Execution Framework for Battery Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated devices face significant battery life reduction due to continuous processor operation for executing control logic, necessitating a method to reduce execution time and consumption.
Innovation Solution
A function block execution framework that schedules function blocks to execute only when needed, utilizing a function block engine to select blocks from a library and categorize them by minimum execution times, allowing for periodic execution based on a base time and multipliers, thereby reducing unnecessary processor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the processor operates continuously to execute control logic, then operational status is maintained, but battery consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic execution of function blocks by scheduling them at specific time intervals rather than continuous execution. The system determines execution periods based on the functional requirements of each block, allowing the processor to enter low-power states between scheduled executions while maintaining operational status when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic is divided into separate function blocks that can be independently scheduled and executed. Each function block represents a discrete unit of control logic that can be executed periodically based on its specific requirements, rather than executing the entire control logic continuously.
2Reliability
If function blocks are executed frequently to maintain operational status, then reliability is improved, but execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the execution period of each function block based on its specific requirements. Critical functions are executed more frequently while less critical functions are executed less often, optimizing the balance between reliability and execution time for the entire control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a function block execution framework. Function blocks may be for use in a control system design. These blocks may be selected from a library of a function block engine. Selected function blocks may be executed for operational purposes. They may be continuously executed by a processor to maintain operational status. However, since a function block engine and a resulting system of function blocks may be operated with battery power, executions of function blocks may be reduced by scheduling the executions of function blocks to times only when they are needed. That means that the processor would not necessarily have to operate continuously to maintain continual execution of the function blocks and thus could significantly reduce consumption of battery power.