JACE Platform Battery-Free Shutdown via Persist Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing computing platforms, such as the Tridium Java application control engine (JACE) platform, rely on battery packs for power during shutdowns, which pose issues like battery lifespan, environmental concerns, and added weight and cost, and the current shutdown process takes significant power and time, leading to potential improper operation upon power restoration.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that allows the JACE platform to operate without a battery pack by using 'persist objects' derived from the NiagaraAX Java class to immediately save and restore the runtime values of control objects, utilizing the 'changed()' callback method and anti-thrash algorithms to ensure rapid and efficient persistence of data, reducing the need for battery-powered shutdown sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery pack is used for power during shutdown, then the computing platform can maintain power for complete encoding and storage of the BOG, but the system suffers from battery lifespan limitations, environmental concerns, added weight, and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery pack from the system entirely by extracting the backup power function and replacing it with a different approach. The shutdown sequence is optimized to complete encoding and storage of the BOG file using only the main power supply, eliminating the need for battery-based backup power while maintaining system reliability during power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, heavy battery pack with a lightweight software-based solution that uses optimized encoding and storage procedures. The system accepts that power may be lost during shutdown but ensures data integrity through rapid encoding processes and file system optimizations, effectively using a 'disposable' approach where the shutdown process is designed to complete quickly without backup power.
2Reliability
If a battery pack is used for power during shutdown, then the computing platform can maintain power for complete encoding and storage of the BOG, but the system suffers from battery lifespan limitations, environmental concerns, added weight, and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery pack and associated power management circuitry from the system. The shutdown sequence is re engineered to complete all necessary encoding and storage operations using only the main power supply, thereby eliminating the complexity of battery integration while maintaining reliability through optimized software processes.
3Reliability
If the shutdown process saves the entire state of running Java objects, then the platform can restore its last known good running state, but the shutdown process takes several minutes and requires significant power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions during normal operation by continuously maintaining updated representations of the system state in memory and using optimized encoding formats. When shutdown is initiated, the system leverages these pre-prepared data structures and cached information to rapidly complete the encoding and storage process, reducing shutdown time from several minutes to a fraction of that time while maintaining full state restoration capability.
4Reliability
If the shutdown process saves the entire state of running Java objects, then the platform can restore its last known good running state, but the shutdown process consumes significant power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by maintaining optimized in-memory representations of system state and using efficient encoding algorithms that require minimal processing power. The shutdown process leverages pre-computed data structures and cached information to minimize the computational work required during shutdown, thereby reducing power consumption while ensuring complete and accurate state restoration.
Data Source
AI summary
An application control engine computing platform having a shut-down mechanism that permits the platform to adequately start up and operate upon return of power after a power interruption, without a need of a battery pack. The mechanism may target the saving of control object runtime values and operational settings of those objects, rather than the saving of the complete set of objects, and all unsaved alarm and history records upon a power interruption.