Machine Data Interface Protocol for Multi-Vendor Controller Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine controller systems face challenges in updating programming logic due to safety and cost concerns, and they often use vendor-specific integrated development environments (IDEs) and communication protocols, making it difficult to communicate and access data across different systems.
Innovation Solution
A standardized machine data interface protocol is used to communicate with controller systems and components, employing a data agnostic format to request or obtain state information defined in a proliferated data structure, allowing for seamless communication across different vendor-specific systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific IDEs and communication protocols are used for each machine controller system, then each system can be controlled independently with specialized functionality, but communication and data access across different systems becomes difficult and requires expert knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data structure format that can represent machine state information from multiple different vendor-specific controller systems. This standardized format allows a single communication interface to work across diverse machine types without requiring expert knowledge of each vendor's proprietary protocol, while still preserving the ability to access and control specific machine functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of standardized data structures and protocols that mediate between the user interface and vendor-specific machine controller systems. This intermediary translates generic data access requests into vendor-specific commands, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with complex proprietary systems while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programming logic is updated in conventional machine controller systems, then system functionality can be improved, but any interruption in services could be dangerous or costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables programming logic to be updated and tested in a simulated environment before deploying to the actual machine controller system. This preliminary action allows validation of new code without interrupting continuous operations, ensuring safety while enabling functional improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or simulation of the machine controller system where programming logic can be developed, tested, and validated. This copy allows experimentation with new functionality without risking interruptions to the real system, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific IDEs and communication protocols are supported, then compatibility with various machine types is maintained, but time and manpower are lost navigating different systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex vendor-specific protocols into standardized, modular data structures that represent common machine state information. By dividing the communication task into standardized segments, the system maintains compatibility with multiple vendors while eliminating the need to navigate complex proprietary protocols, thereby improving productivity.
4Measurement precision
If expert knowledge of various IDEs and communication protocols is required, then precise control of each system is achieved, but time and manpower losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that handles the complexity of vendor-specific protocols and communication details. This intermediary maintains precise control accuracy by properly translating standardized requests into vendor-specific commands, while eliminating the need for users to acquire extensive expert knowledge of multiple proprietary systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for a standardized machine data interface protocol are described herein. A request for information about a state of a component of a machine may be received where the request is in an agnostic data format. A particular machine and a particular component of the particular machine may be determined based on the agnostic data format. A data structure of the agnostic data format for the particular machine and the particular component may be determined where the data structure is associated with the state. The state may be requested from the particular machine for the particular component using a format of the data structure. The state of the particular component may be received according to the format of the data structure. The state of the particular component may be converted from the format of the data structure to the agnostic data format of the request.