License Server Controller Failover for Industrial Tool Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license management systems for industrial tools, such as screwdrivers, are not reliable in aggressive industrial environments and cannot efficiently handle the failure of a license server controller, leading to disruptions in production.
Innovation Solution
A method where a license server controller assigns user licenses to other controllers within an internal production network, allowing for the designation of a substitute controller in case of failure, ensuring continuous operation by managing license allocation and availability through a networked communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single license server controller is used to manage licenses for industrial tools, then license management is centralized and controlled, but the system reliability decreases and production is disrupted when the controller fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different roles (license server, license client, substitute license server) to different controllers based on their specific functions. The primary license server controller handles normal license management, while substitute controllers remain in standby mode with identical license data, ready to take over if the primary fails. This local differentiation of roles ensures reliability without requiring all controllers to be fully functional simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures substitute license server controllers with complete license data and software functionality before any failure occurs. When a controller is designated as a substitute, it receives and stores all necessary license information and operational capabilities in advance, so that upon primary controller failure, the substitute can immediately assume the license server role without any setup or data transfer delays.
2Reliability
If license management is centralized on a single controller, then license control is simplified, but the system cannot handle controller failure and causes production disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic failover mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the primary license server and substitute controllers. When the primary controller fails, the system automatically detects the failure and transfers the license server role to a substitute controller through predefined communication protocols and data synchronization mechanisms, ensuring seamless continuity without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms where substitute license server controllers constantly check the status of the primary license server. Upon detecting a failure, the substitute controllers automatically activate and assume the license server function. The system also provides feedback to operators about the status of license management and any failover events that occur.
3Reliability
If multiple controllers are designated as license servers, then system reliability improves through redundancy, but license management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the license server functionality into a primary license server controller and one or more substitute license server controllers. Each controller has a clearly defined role: the primary handles normal license operations, while substitutes remain in standby mode with identical license data. This segmentation provides redundancy without requiring all controllers to simultaneously manage licenses, thereby limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows substitute license server controllers to be discarded (remain inactive) during normal operation, consuming minimal system resources. When the primary license server fails, the substitute controllers are recovered and activated to take over license management duties. This approach maintains reliability through redundancy while minimizing complexity and resource consumption during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for assigning a license by a controller for the use of an industrial tool such as a screwdriver. The license server controller controls the use of a first tool and communicates via a computer network with at least one other controller controlling a second tool. The license server controller has a license server function for assigning a license authorizing the operation of the second tool. The method comprises the following steps: selection and query by a technician of a function on at least one standard controller that requires the assignment of a license; transmission by the standard controller to the license server controller of a license assignment request; analysis by the license server controller of the received request; and transmission by the license server controller to the other data controller authorizing the use of the tool with said function.In this way, a given controller is designated to manage licenses within a fleet of controllers connected to the same network.