Electronic Device Shutdown Error Detection via Dual Program Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating electronic devices with finite energy stores fail to detect and report errors in the shutdown process, leading to hidden faults and potential battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A second program with a timer is initiated during shutdown, monitoring the completion of the first program and generating an error message if the shutdown is delayed, with error markers stored in non-volatile memory for later detection and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a first program runs after a command to switch off without monitoring, then the device can be switched off to protect the finite energy store, but errors in the first program remain undetected and hidden from the user
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is separated into a distinct second program that independently watches the first program's execution status. This segmentation allows error detection without requiring the first program to include complex self-monitoring logic, thus improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A timer element acts as an intermediary between the first program and the second program. The timer provides an objective reference point for detecting whether the first program has completed within the expected time frame, enabling error detection without direct complex interaction between the monitoring program and the executed program.
2Reliability
If a second program with timer monitors the first program's completion, then errors can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second program serves multiple functions: it monitors the first program's completion status, detects errors when the program doesn't complete in time, and triggers appropriate error handling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, accepting increased program complexity while avoiding hardware complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal timer resource to provide the monitoring function. Rather than requiring external monitoring hardware or complex inter-program communication mechanisms, the system leverages its existing timer capability to self-monitor the shutdown process, minimizing additional complexity requirements.
3Loss of information
If error markers are stored in non-volatile memory, then errors can be reported to the driver or workshop, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Error information is extracted and stored separately in non-volatile memory as distinct error markers, independent of the main program execution data. This extraction allows error information to be preserved without interfering with normal program operations, maintaining simplicity in the execution path while enabling persistent error reporting through dedicated memory storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The error marker system uses simple, discrete memory locations that can be easily set and read. Rather than implementing complex error logging systems with detailed traceback information, the patent uses straightforward binary error flags in non-volatile memory, providing adequate error reporting capability with minimal memory management overhead and complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an electronic device (11) that is supplied with electric power by means of a continuous energy accumulator (12). According to the invention, the predetermined ending of the first program (1) is monitored in a program step (3) by a second program (2). If the first program (1) is not switched off as predetermined, the second program (2) generates an error message which is displayed immediately when the device (11) is switched on again.