Remote MMS Application Execution for Automation Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for upgrading MMS software in automation technology machines require machine shutdown, leading to production standstill and resource demands that often outweigh the benefits of new software, especially when older machines with less powerful hardware cannot efficiently run newer software.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where client software on the machine transmits operator inputs and visualization data through a data network to external computing devices, allowing MMS application software to run remotely and expand machine functionalities without increasing hardware resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If new MMS software is installed on the machine's control device, then machine operating efficiency is improved, but machine shutdown is required causing production standstill
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates MMS software into two parts: a core MMS kernel that runs on the machine's control device, and additional MMS application software that runs on external computing devices. This segmentation allows the core functionality to remain operational while enabling software updates and expansions without requiring complete machine shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
External computing devices are introduced as intermediaries to host additional MMS software applications. These devices communicate with the machine's control device via data networks, allowing software functionality to be extended without modifying or stopping the core control system running on the machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware is installed to support more resource-intensive MMS software, then software functionality is improved, but hardware cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
External computing devices serve as intermediaries that provide additional processing power and resources for resource-intensive MMS applications. This approach allows the machine to access enhanced software functionality without requiring upgrades to its own control hardware, thereby avoiding increased hardware complexity and cost.
3Productivity
If MMS software is upgraded on older machines with less powerful hardware, then software performance is improved, but hardware limitations prevent efficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
External computing devices with sufficient processing power are introduced to host MMS software applications for older machines. This allows legacy machine hardware to access modern, resource-intensive MMS software functionality by running it on external devices that communicate over data networks, effectively bypassing the hardware limitations of the original machine.
4Reliability
If machine shutdown is performed for software upgrade, then software reliability is improved, but production continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting MMS software into a core kernel running on the machine and additional applications running externally, the system allows software updates and upgrades to be performed on external devices without affecting the core control functionality. This ensures continuous operation and maintains production continuity while still enabling software reliability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The core MMS kernel continues to run uninterrupted on the machine's control device, maintaining essential control functions throughout the operation. Additional MMS applications can be updated, installed, or upgraded on external computing devices without interrupting the continuous operation of the machine, thus preserving production continuity.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves transmitting operator inputs and identification to a communication server software (14) running on an external computer (13) over a data network (9). The communication server software generates a Multimedia messaging service (MMS)application software (18a,18b,18c) that is provided for a machine (12). The communication server software transmits the operator inputs for the generated MMS-application software running on one external computer or other external computer (16). The MMS-application software generates the visualization data. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for operating a machine from the automation technology; (2) a control device for a machine; and (3) a device for operating a machine.