Centralized Server Software Execution for Machine Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating machining programs for multiple machine tools are inefficient due to the need for individual software installation, configuration settings, and program updates, as well as the time-consuming process of reusing programs across identical machines.

Innovation Solution

A centralized application software execution system where a server obtains configuration information from multiple machines and executes application software accordingly, eliminating the need for individual machine software installation and facilitating centralized data management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If interactive software is installed in each individual machine tool, then the machine tool can generate machining programs independently, but the cost and effort of software installation and updates increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent program generation capabilityVSAvoidSoftware installation and update effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the software execution function from individual machine tools to a centralized server. The server stores and executes the interactive software, while machine tools act as terminals accessing the server. This consolidation eliminates the need to install software on each machine tool, reducing installation and update effort while maintaining independent program generation capability through server-based execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the machine tools and the interactive software. Instead of machine tools directly running the software, they communicate with the server which handles software execution. This intermediary approach allows machine tools to maintain their independent operation capability while the server manages the complexity of software installation, updates, and configuration centrally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If settings are made on each individual machine tool in accordance with its configuration, then the software operates optimally for that machine, but the time and effort required for configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSoftware optimization for machine configurationVSAvoidConfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides universal configuration management for multiple machine tools with different configurations. Instead of requiring separate configuration settings on each machine tool, the server maintains a unified configuration database that adapts to each machine's specific setup. This universal approach eliminates repetitive configuration work while ensuring each machine receives optimized settings through the server's centralized management capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic parameter adjustment where the server automatically modifies software parameters based on the specific configuration of each machine tool. When a machine tool connects, the server detects its configuration parameters and automatically adjusts the interactive software settings to optimize performance for that specific machine, eliminating manual configuration time while maintaining optimal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If machining programs are listed and selected for identical machine tools, then past similar programs can be reused, but the process requires time and effort to identify suitable programs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProgram reuse capabilityVSAvoidProgram selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server implements an automatic feedback mechanism that compares machine tool configurations to identify identical or similar machines. When a new machine tool connects, the server automatically queries the database of existing machines, compares configuration parameters, and identifies matching machines. This feedback loop enables automatic program retrieval based on configuration similarity, eliminating the manual time-consuming process of listing and selecting appropriate programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service program retrieval where the machine tool automatically receives appropriate machining programs from the server without manual intervention. The server autonomously performs configuration comparison, program selection, and transfer to the machine tool based on its configuration data. This self-service approach maximizes program reuse productivity while eliminating the time and effort previously required for manual program identification and selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If generated machining programs are spread to other identical machines, then program distribution is achieved, but the process requires time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProgram distribution efficiencyVSAvoidProgram transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary actions by maintaining a centralized database of machining programs associated with specific machine configurations. When a machine tool's configuration is registered, the server proactively stores and indexes the appropriate programs in advance. This preliminary organization enables instant program retrieval and distribution to identical machines without requiring time-consuming manual transfer operations, as the programs are already prepared and linked to the relevant configuration profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10805159B2Server-based application software execution system
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 FANUC LTD
  • US10805159B2 patent drawing
  • US10805159B2 patent drawing
  • US10805159B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An application software execution system according to the present invention includes a plurality of machines and one server connected to the machines. The server includes a processor for executing application software, and a storage unit for storing the application software. The server obtains configuration information of each of the machines, and executes the application software in accordance with the obtained configuration information of each of the machines.