Machine Data Transformation Layer for Cross-Application Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine tools lack data interoperability, requiring re-engineering of applications for different devices due to device-specific data formats, and standardization of interfaces only provides limited solutions, especially for high-frequency data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transformation unit that converts data between device-specific formats and a generic semantic data model, enabling applications to communicate with multiple data sources and machines, and allowing rapid and cost-effective development of applications across different machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are constructed specifically for each device with device-specific data formats, then the application can process data correctly for that specific device, but the application cannot be reused for other devices and requires re-engineering for each new device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data transformation layer that converts device-specific data formats into a standardized internal format. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between diverse data sources and the application logic, enabling applications to process data from multiple device types without requiring device-specific customization. The transformation unit standardizes data formats while preserving the ability to handle device-specific characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal data processing architecture where a single application can handle multiple device types through a standardized data interface. The system provides multi-functionality by enabling one application to serve multiple purposes across different devices, eliminating the need for separate applications for each device type while maintaining device-specific data handling capabilities.
2Speed
If standardization of interfaces is implemented, then some level of data interoperability is achieved, but high-frequency data such as positions, rotational speed and currents cannot be transferred at required frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing system into multiple independent components: device-specific data sources, a transformation unit for format conversion, and standardized data interfaces. This segmentation allows high-frequency data to be extracted and transmitted separately from other data types, enabling the system to meet stringent frequency requirements for critical data while maintaining compatibility with standardized interfaces for other data.
3Ease of manufacture
If applications are programmed in a device-specific manner, then the application functions correctly for that specific machine, but development costs increase and rapid development across different machines becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where a single standardized application can be replicated and deployed across multiple devices. The transformation unit ensures that device-specific data formats are automatically converted to the standardized format expected by the application, allowing the same application code to function across different devices without modification. This copying approach eliminates the need for time-consuming re-engineering and reduces development costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coupling a machine, in particular a machine tool, having a number N of data sources for providing data of the machine in data source-specific file formats having a plurality of applications is provided. The device includes a transformation unit, which is designed to transform data of one of the N data sources present in one of the data source-specific data formats to data of a generic semantic data model for at least one of the applications and data of one of the applications present in the generic semantic data model to data of one of the data source-specific data formats for one of the N data sources. The transformation unit thus advantageously establishes data interoperability between the respective application and the respective data source of the machine. Also provided is a method and to a computer program product for coupling a machine to a plurality of applications.