Machine Data Coupling via Semantic Model Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in achieving data interoperability between machines and applications, requiring re-engineering or re-writing applications for different devices due to lack of standardization, and existing solutions like OPC UA only allow for basic data transmission, limiting high-frequency data exchange.

Innovation Solution

A device with a transformation unit that converts data from source-specific formats into a generic semantic data model, enabling applications to work across multiple data sources and machines, using first and second transformation means to convert between data source-specific and generic semantic data models, and third and fourth transformation means for reverse conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If applications are programmed device-specifically to process data in data source-specific formats, then data processing accuracy is improved, but adaptability to different devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts data source-specific formats into a universal data model. This mediator component enables applications to process data accurately while maintaining adaptability across different devices, as the translation layer handles format conversion transparently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the data processing architecture into distinct components: data source-specific format handling, format translation layer, and universal data model processing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function while maintaining overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If standard interfaces are used for data transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but data transmission performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface standardizationVSAvoiddata transmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the system to use different data formats optimized for their specific functions. High-frequency data can use optimized formats for performance, while maintaining standardized interfaces for general operations, thus achieving both ease of operation and high transmission performance in appropriate contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If applications are re-engineered for each new device, then data processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing accuracyVSAvoidapplication development efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data model that enables a single application to process data from multiple different data sources without re-engineering. The universal model maintains data processing accuracy through structured validation while significantly improving development productivity by eliminating the need to create separate applications for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If data is transmitted in source-specific formats, then data integrity is improved, but loss of information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddata format compatibility information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copied and transformed version of the source-specific data in a universal format. This copying process preserves the essential data integrity while converting to a format that maintains compatibility information, preventing loss of information through structured mapping and validation between formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3652657B1Device and method for coupling a machine with a plurality of applications
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3652657B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3652657B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3652657B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to 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. The device comprises 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 the applications and/or 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. The invention further relates to a method and to a computer program product for coupling a machine to a plurality of applications.