Machine Tool Maintenance via Intermediary Data Transmission Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data transmission between a service computer and machine manufacturer's data processing systems face challenges such as low data transmission rates and security restrictions, making remote maintenance difficult and requiring on-site personnel and infrastructure adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A machine control maintenance system with an input communication device that establishes VPN tunnels and packet forwarding capabilities, allowing secure data transmission across different data networks while maintaining network separation, using ISO-OSI reference model protocols and VLAN tagging for virtual LAN formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile communication means are used for data transmission between service computer and machine manufacturer, then remote maintenance capability is improved, but data transmission rate remains low and mobile phone reception may be completely impossible in some environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data transmission server as an intermediary component that mediates between the service computer and the machine control. This server receives data packets from the service computer, forwards them to the machine control, and handles responses in reverse. This intermediary approach enables reliable data transmission without relying on direct mobile communication links, thus improving remote maintenance capability while avoiding the limitations of mobile phone reception and low transmission rates.
2Ease of operation
If service computer connects to machine operator's data network via wide area network, then data transmission capability is improved, but security restrictions prevent external computer connections and require network administration support
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission server acts as a trusted intermediary that is already part of the machine operator's data network infrastructure. Instead of allowing direct external connections from the service computer to the machine control, all communications are routed through this server. This approach maintains security compliance by preventing unauthorized external access while still enabling data transmission capabilities. The server handles authentication and data forwarding, eliminating the need for network administration support for each maintenance connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service computer requires adaptation to data network configuration of machine operator, then network compatibility is improved, but maintenance effort increases and may require support from network administration
Solution Approach 1:
The service computer is designed with self-service capabilities that eliminate the need for manual adaptation to different data network configurations. The system automatically establishes connections through the data transmission server using standardized protocols. The service computer can independently retrieve data packets, forward them through the server, and receive responses without requiring configuration changes or assistance from network administrators, thus maintaining network compatibility while reducing maintenance effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for the maintenance of machine tools and machine controllers and relates in particular to a method in which data can be transmitted between a service computer and a machine manufacturer. A machine controller maintenance system is provided which has the following: an input communication device (2) for transmitting data, comprising a first tunnel generating device (24), which is designed to encrypt and decrypt data to be transmitted in a VPN tunneling procedure, and comprising a packet forwarding device (25) which is designed to transmit packets of a layer 3 protocol or higher of the ISO/OSI reference model between different transmission networks or to prevent the transmission of said packets; and a machine controller (4) which is designed to control a machine tool (5). The input communication device (2) can be connected to a first data network, by means of which data can be transmitted between the input communication device (2) and the first output communication device (7) across a first VPN tunnel (62) via a first communication connection (61), and the input communication device (2) can be connected to a second data network (12) via which a service computer (3) that is designed to carry out maintenance work on the machine controller (4) can be connected to the input communication device (2) via a second communication connection (31) such that data can be transmitted between the service computer (3) and the input communication device (2). The first data network and the second data network (12) are virtually separated from one another, and the packet forwarding device (2) is designed to forward data packets of the layer 3 protocol or higher of the ISO/OSI reference model from and to the service computer (3) across and from the first VPN tunnel (62) when the service computer (3) is connected to the input communication device (2).