Machine Data Conversion Layer for Unified Factory Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing sites face challenges in managing data from machines with varying communication standards, as existing solutions require selecting or defining a data model, which can be cumbersome and result in unusable data if an appropriate model is not available.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a base software application that includes communication units for receiving and transmitting machine information, along with meta information conversion units to automatically define a new data model, simplifying data management across different communication standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate communication interface and data model are prepared for each machine communication standard, then data exchange capability is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data model that can handle multiple communication standards (OPC UA, MTConnect, etc.) through a single unified interface. The data model uses standardized node types (sensor, actuator, controller) that can represent different machine data sources regardless of their native communication protocol, eliminating the need for separate interfaces for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the unified data model) between the diverse communication standards and the manufacturing execution system. This intermediary translates various communication protocols into a common data structure, simplifying integration while maintaining compatibility with multiple standards.
2Loss of time
If an existing data model is selected from multiple options, then setup time is reduced, but data usability decreases when no appropriate model exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the data model to create a highly flexible unified structure that can adapt to any machine data type. By using generic node types with configurable properties rather than fixed industry-specific models, the system can represent any communication standard's data without requiring model selection or customization.
3Reliability
If a new data model is defined manually, then data usability is improved, but loss of time and required expertise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic data model generation and configuration without requiring manual intervention from operators. The unified data model automatically adapts to incoming data from any communication standard, eliminating the need for experts to manually define or configure data models while maintaining high data usability.
Data Source
AI summary
Data of devices adhering to various communication standards are easily unified and managed. Base software of a computer comprises: a first communication unit for receiving first machine information output from a machine and unique to the machine, and first meta information indicating the meaning of the first machine information; a second communication unit for transmitting second machine information unique to work software and second meta information indicating the meaning of the second machine information; a meta information conversion unit for converting the first meta information into the second meta information; and a machine information conversion unit for converting the first machine information into the second machine information.