Server Error Detection and Correction via Parameter Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial server computers used in manufacturing and refinery settings face challenges in diagnosing and correcting errors, particularly due to the complexity of communication protocols and the potential for malfunctions in OPC-enabled systems, which can lead to undetected issues escalating into more severe problems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system are implemented within the server computer to monitor selected operating parameters such as private bytes, handle count, CPU usage, and memory page faults, comparing them to pre-determined specifications, and notifying a client computer of errors. The diagnostic error detecting and correcting software generates alarms and takes corrective actions, such as inactivating sub-logic units or shutting down processes, to address memory leaks, handle leaks, and CPU usage errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If real-time monitoring of operating parameters is implemented, then error detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into modular components: parameter detection modules, threshold comparison modules, and notification modules. Each module handles specific tasks independently, making the complex monitoring system manageable and maintainable while achieving comprehensive error detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A diagnostic software layer acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the user interface. This software automatically monitors parameters, compares them against thresholds, and generates notifications, eliminating the need for complex manual monitoring configurations while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic corrective actions are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but risk of unintended consequences increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidunintended consequences
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts monitoring thresholds and corrective actions based on operational context. Thresholds can be modified during operation to account for varying load conditions, and corrective actions are selected based on the severity and type of parameter deviation, reducing the risk of inappropriate automatic responses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where corrective actions are automatically taken when parameters deviate from thresholds, and the results are continuously monitored. If corrective actions produce unintended effects or parameters return to normal, the system can reverse or adjust actions, ensuring reliability while minimizing harmful consequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2955632B1Determining and correcting software server error conditions
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2955632B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955632B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2955632B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method of diagnosing and correcting errors in a server computer. A server computer (160) is coupled by a communication path (140, 142, 144) to a client computer (110). A storage device (204) stores a diagnostic error detecting and correcting program (360) and the server computer is programmed to implement the diagnostic error detecting and correcting program. The server computer detects (404) several selected operating parameters (310) during operation of a server process (203) and determines (408) if at least a first of the selected operating parameters are outside a predetermined specification (325) for the selected operating parameters. In response to the selected operating parameters being outside the pre-detemiined specification, the server computer notifies (422) the client computer of an error with the server process. The server computer can also detect (506) communication errors and attempt to restore communications by modifying (516) communication parameter(s) (380).