The Work Coordination Engine (WCE) is a Java application integrated into the Service Management Database(SMDB), which coordinates the dispatching and monitoring of a work order system. WCE de-queues work orders from SMDB and orchestrates the dispatching of work to a registered set of software worker applications distributed over a set of local, or remote, heterogeneous computing systems. WCE monitors the execution of work orders once dispatched, and accepts the results of the work order by storing to the SMDB persistent store.
The software leverages the use of a relational database, Java Messaging System (JMS), and Web Services using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) technologies to implement an efficient work-order dispatching mechanism capable of coordinating the work of multiple computer servers on various platforms working concurrently on different, or similar, types of data or algorithmic processing. Existing (legacy) applications can be wrapped with a proxy object so that no changes to the application are needed to make them available for integration into the work order system as “workers.” WCE automatically reschedules work orders that fail to be executed by one server to a different server if available. From initiation to completion, the system manages the execution state of work orders and workers via a well-defined set of events, states, and actions. It allows for configurable work-order execution timeouts by work-order type.
This innovation eliminates a current processing bottleneck by providing a highly scalable, distributed work-order system used to quickly generate products needed by the Deep Space Network (DSN) to support space flight operations. WCE is driven by asynchronous messages delivered via JMS indicating the availability of new work or workers. It runs completely unattended in support of the lights-out operations concept in the DSN.
This work was done by Silvino Zendejas, Tung Bui, Bach Bui, Shantanu Malhotra, Fannie Chen, Rachel Kim, Christopher Allen, Ivy Luong, and George Chang of Caltech and Syed Sadaqathulla of Raytheon for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-45014.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Work Coordination Engine
(reference NPO-45014) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document provides a technical overview of NASA's Work Coordination Engine (WCE), identified as NPO-45014, which is a Java application integrated into the Service Management Database (SMDB). The primary function of WCE is to coordinate the dispatching and monitoring of work orders within a distributed computing environment, specifically designed to support the needs of the Deep Space Network (DSN).
WCE operates by dequeuing work orders from the SMDB and orchestrating their dispatch to a network of registered software worker applications. These workers can be distributed across local or remote heterogeneous computing systems, allowing for efficient processing of various tasks. The system is capable of monitoring the execution of work orders and storing results back into the SMDB, ensuring a persistent record of operations.
Key features of WCE include its use of a relational database, Java Messaging System (JMS), and Web Services utilizing Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) technologies. This combination enables a scalable and efficient work order dispatching mechanism that can handle multiple compute servers working concurrently on different data or algorithmic processing tasks. WCE also supports legacy applications by allowing them to be integrated into the work order system without requiring modifications, thus enhancing the overall utility of existing software.
The document highlights improvements brought by WCE, such as the elimination of processing bottlenecks and the provision of a highly responsive and reliable work order processing system. It operates autonomously, supporting "lights out" operations, which is crucial for the DSN's Service Preparation Subsystem. WCE is designed to handle over 5,000 different types of prediction products necessary for tracking spacecraft missions.
Additionally, WCE includes mechanisms for error handling, automatically rescheduling work orders that fail to execute on a server to another available server. This ensures continuous operation and resource optimization.
The document concludes with contact information for further inquiries, emphasizing the proprietary nature of the information and the importance of compliance with U.S. export regulations. Overall, the WCE represents a significant advancement in the management of work orders within NASA's operational framework, showcasing the agency's commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced mission support.
