Host Computer Workflow Control for Machine Function Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing etching machines require software updates during process changes, leading to delayed functionality and wasted manpower and time.
Innovation Solution
A host computer system that allows users to edit and manage functional flows through a control unit, interacting with a service configuration unit and functional flow unit, enabling flexible and automated addition/modification of machine functions without full software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control software of the machine is updated to ensure normal application, then the machine can adapt to process changes, but the whole machine cannot operate normally until the software update is complete, delaying the time of realizing the updated function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software system into multiple independent components: a lower-level computer executing workflow items and a host computer managing functional flows. This segmentation allows the host computer to be updated independently without stopping the lower-level computer, enabling process changes while maintaining machine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the workflow item transfer interface between host computer and lower-level computer) that allows functional flows to be transmitted and executed independently. This intermediary enables the host computer to update its software while the lower-level computer continues operating with existing workflow items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control software of the machine is updated, then the machine can implement new functions, but the update process wastes manpower and time
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the control system into host computer and lower-level computer, the patent enables independent updating of the host computer's functional flows without requiring full system shutdown or complex coordination, reducing update complexity and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing functional flows to be prepared and stored in the host computer's memory before being transferred to the lower-level computer. This enables update preparation to occur independently and beforehand, reducing actual update execution time and resource consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the host computer designs a specific operation interface for a user to execute the workflow, then the machine provides user-friendly control, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the workflow item as an intermediary data structure that bridges the user interface layer (host computer) and execution layer (lower-level computer). This intermediary simplifies the interface design by standardizing the interaction protocol while maintaining execution flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal workflow item structure that can represent multiple different functional flows and operations. This universal interface handles diverse machine functions through a single standardized mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite providing comprehensive user control.
Data Source
AI summary
A host computer includes a memory for storing computer program instructions; and one or more processors coupled to the memory and, when the computer program instructions being executed, configured to edit action instruction information stored in a service configuration unit via a control unit from a user, the action instruction information containing action instructions for executing a functional flow for a machine; add the edited action instruction information in a functional flow unit to be stored in a form of items of the functional flow; and control, by the control unit, a lower-level computer to execute one or more of the items of the functional flow corresponding to the edited action instruction information.