Network Interface Device for Pump Monitoring via SQL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump monitoring systems in semiconductor manufacturing require manual and costly integration with factory automation systems, lacking remote access and efficient data collection and reporting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A network interface device that connects pumps to a computer network, using Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with database servers, providing remote monitoring and reporting without custom software, and enabling remote access and data integration into factory automation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom software is written for each customer's factory automation system, then the pump monitoring system can be integrated into the customer's system, but the integration process becomes expensive, time-consuming, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is designed with a universal database interface that can communicate with any factory automation system through standard database protocols (ODBC, JDBC, ADO). Instead of creating custom software for each customer, the device uses a single standardized interface layer that translates between the pump controller and various database systems, eliminating the need for customer-specific software development while maintaining broad system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized database interface layer is introduced as an intermediary between the pump controller and the factory automation system. This interface device acts as a mediator that translates pump data into standard database formats that can be accessed by any factory automation system through common database protocols, eliminating the need for direct custom integration between each pump and customer system
2Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and reporting is performed using PC-based software, then pump data can be accessed, but the process requires special computers and software installation, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device autonomously collects pump data, formats it according to standardized database protocols, and makes it available for access without requiring external PC-based software or manual intervention. The device performs self-configuration through a web-based interface and automatically maintains data communication, eliminating the need for special computers or complex software installations on customer systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of PC-based software installations with a standardized digital database interface. Instead of requiring physical computers and installed software applications, the system uses network-based database access protocols that can be reached through standard web browsers or database clients, substituting complex software mechanics with simpler network communication standards
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized interface is used to communicate with database servers, then integration with factory automation systems becomes simpler and more consistent, but compatibility with diverse database systems must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device incorporates multiple database protocol capabilities (ODBC, JDBC, ADO) within a single standardized interface architecture. This universal design allows the same interface device to communicate with diverse database systems (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, Access) through standardized protocols, maintaining both integration simplicity and broad database compatibility simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A network interface device in a manufacturing system may receive communications from remote users in a database query language. The network interface device may translate or forward commands and queries in a pump-supported language. The network interface device may communicate the commands and queries to pumps and other components on the manufacturing process using the pump-supported language. The results of the command or query may be returned to the network interface device, which may send the information to a database. A GUI allows the remote user to check states of pumps or other functions.