Machine Tool Communication Setup Using XML Configuration Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication establishment between control nodes and machine tools in CNC systems is complex and inefficient, requiring specific configuration changes for each node, which affects system efficiency and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing communication between a control node and a machine tool system, involving notification of the machine's identifier, retrieval of a machine configuration file, determination of a data structure for signal transfer, and acknowledgment of communication establishment, using a unified interface that includes a notifying unit, retrieving unit, determining unit, and acknowledging unit, with support for XML configuration files and Big-/Little-endian byte orders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific configuration changes are made for each communication node, then communication can be established between control nodes and machine tools, but the system complexity and configuration time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration file format (XML) that can be used across different machine tool types and control nodes. The configuration file contains machine attributes and data signal layouts that are interpreted by the control node to automatically determine the data structure, eliminating the need for node-specific configuration adjustments and enabling a single configuration to serve multiple communication scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control node automatically retrieves the configuration file based on machine identifier, interprets it to determine the data structure, and establishes communication without requiring manual configuration changes. The system performs self-configuration by reading machine attributes and signal layouts from the file, reducing human intervention and configuration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration changes are required for each node, then communication can be adapted to specific machines, but the time and effort for system setup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information is prepared in advance in a structured XML file format, containing all necessary machine attributes and data signal layouts. The control node simply needs to retrieve and interpret this pre-prepared configuration file, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration during system setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The control node automatically retrieves the configuration file using the machine identifier, interprets the machine attributes and data signal layouts, and determines the data structure without human intervention. This self-configuration process significantly reduces the time and effort required for system setup while maintaining machine-specific adaptability.
3Productivity
If a unified configuration interface is implemented, then system efficiency and user experience improve, but the initial development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an XML configuration file as an intermediary that bridges the machine tool and control node. The file contains machine attributes and data signal layouts that serve as a common language between different systems, enabling automated interpretation and data structure determination without complex direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses XML configuration files with machine-specific parameters and attributes that can be easily modified to adapt to different machines. The control node interprets these parameters to automatically determine data structures, providing a flexible and efficient unified interface that improves system productivity while maintaining ease of configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing communication between a control node and a machine in a machine tool system includes notifying the control node of an identifier of the machine. The machine includes a numerical control (NC). The method further includes the steps of retrieving a machine configuration file including machine attributes at the control node based on the identifier; determining a data structure of a data signal transferring information in the machine tool system by interpreting the machine configuration file; and acknowledging from the control node to the machine that communication has been established.