Virtual Machine Tool Simulation Using Parallel Multi-Core Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current virtual machine tools for simulating machine tool processes are limited by hardware performance, leading to slow simulation speeds and increased complexity, which restricts the ability to simulate complex machining and movement processes in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize multiple processor cores to perform parallel simulations, allowing the virtual machine to be installed on multiple cores or run with reduced functionality, and leverage multi-core technology, grid computing, or cloud computing to enhance simulation speed and reduce hardware dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If simulation is performed using a single processor core with holistic virtual machine, then simulation completeness is maintained, but simulation speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation speedVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the simulation process into multiple independent partial simulations that can be executed in parallel on different processor cores. The control program is split into sections, and the virtual machine is instantiated multiple times with different parameter sets, allowing simultaneous processing of different machining operations without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary preparation by creating multiple virtual machine instances with pre-configured parameters before the actual simulation begins. This includes pre-defining the control program sections, tool data, workpiece data, and machining parameters for each virtual machine instance, enabling immediate parallel execution without setup delays during simulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If hardware performance is increased to improve simulation speed, then processing power increases, but hardware dependency and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation speedVSAvoidhardware flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates multiple instances of the same virtual machine software with different parameter configurations, allowing a single software platform to handle diverse machining scenarios simultaneously. Each virtual machine instance can process different control programs, tool sets, and workpiece geometries using the same core simulation engine

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multiple copies of the virtual machine software instance, each running on a separate processor core. These copies use identical simulation logic and processing algorithms but operate independently with different input data, effectively multiplying processing capacity without requiring new hardware architectures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If complete virtual machine with all components is implemented, then simulation accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complete simulation process into multiple parallel partial simulations, each handling specific machining operations or control program sections. This allows the system to maintain comprehensive virtual machine functionality while distributing the computational burden across multiple processor cores, reducing overall processing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous simulation processing by running multiple virtual machine instances simultaneously without idle time. While one virtual machine instance processes a particular machining operation, others are already executing different operations, eliminating sequential waiting periods and maintaining constant computational utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2718776B1Method and system for simulating a work process on a machine tool
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 DMG MORI DIGITAL GMBH
  • EP2718776B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2718776B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2718776B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for simulating a working process on a machine tool using a virtual machine. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a system for simulating a working process on a machine tool using a virtual machine which is designed to simulate the working process on the machine tool on the basis of machine data, workpiece data and tool data, depending on NC control data and SPS control data. According to the invention, the working process is simulated on a platform which comprises a plurality of processor cores, wherein the working process is simulated in part-simulations which run in parallel on different processor cores.