Processing Machine Digital Shadow for Cloud-Based Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation methods for processing machines, such as machine tools and robots, are limited by the computational resources of local computers, restricting the quality, speed, and depth of simulation, and lack the ability for online calculation and multi-user collaboration.
Innovation Solution
Simulating processing machines in a computer cloud with a digital shadow that utilizes web-enabled services, allowing access to virtually unlimited computing power and storage, enabling advanced simulations, configuration, and state tracking, and supporting collaborative and scalable simulation scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If simulation is performed on a local computer, then the simulation can be run independently, but the computing power and storage capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the user's local computer and the cloud computing resources. The server receives simulation requests, processes them using cloud-based virtual machines with substantial computing power and storage, and returns results to the user. This mediator enables access to powerful resources without requiring the user's local system to possess those resources directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from local-dimensional computing to cloud-dimensional computing by moving simulation workloads to remote virtual machines. This dimensional shift allows users to access computing resources that exist in a different physical and architectural dimension (the cloud infrastructure), effectively bypassing local hardware limitations.
2Manufacturing precision
If high-quality simulation is performed locally, then detailed results can be obtained, but powerful computers with large storage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of processing machines in the form of digital twins within cloud-based virtual machines. These virtual representations replicate the physical machine's geometry, kinematics, and behavior, enabling high-quality simulation without requiring physical duplication or substantial local storage of machine data and simulation models.
Solution Approach 2:
The server mediates between the user's storage needs and cloud-based storage resources. Simulation models, machine data, and results are stored and managed in the cloud, with the server handling data transfer and management, thereby freeing the user's local system from substantial storage requirements while maintaining high simulation quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access the same virtual machine, then collaboration is enabled, but images must be copied to local drives which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining virtual machine images and simulation data in the cloud before users need them. Virtual machines are pre-configured with necessary software, models, and data in the cloud environment, so when users access them, no local copying or installation is required. This preliminary preparation eliminates time loss associated with local deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based virtual machine system provides universal access to multiple users simultaneously through web browsers. The same virtual machine instance can be accessed by multiple users for different purposes (simulation, training, commissioning) without requiring local copies, enabling multi-functional use and collaboration while eliminating the need for time-consuming image distribution.
4Speed
If simulation data is stored locally, then fast access is possible, but storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical storage system (local hard drives) with a network-based storage system (cloud storage). Data is stored on remote servers and accessed through network protocols, substituting physical storage mechanics with electronic network access. This substitution provides scalable storage space while maintaining fast access speeds through optimized data retrieval mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves executing simulation web-enabled services for the processing machine by computer (18) in the computing environment (16), to form the digital shadow (20). The digital shadow is provided with configuration and state of the processing machine. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) computer program for simulating processing machine in computing environment; and (2) digital storage medium.