Virtual Application Computer for Industrial Truck Control Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating user-specific function extensions into industrial truck controllers are costly, time-consuming, and pose legal and technical challenges due to limited access to sensors and actuators, leading to high development and adaptation requirements, which can result in non-profitable small applications and warranty issues.

Innovation Solution

A method where a virtual application computer is integrated into the control computer of the industrial truck, allowing indirect access to driving and work functions via defined interfaces, enabling third-party development without direct intervention in the control system, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protecting manufacturer know-how.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external hardware systems are used for user-specific function extensions, then functionality can be added, but access to sensors and actuators is limited and development costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific function extensionsVSAvoidaccess to sensors and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the application computer with the control computer into a single integrated system. The application computer runs as a virtual machine within the control computer's operating system, allowing applications to access sensors and actuators through the control computer's existing interfaces without requiring separate external hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control computer is designed to serve dual functions: as the primary vehicle control system and as a host for running multiple applications. The application computer can execute various user-specific functions while sharing the control computer's hardware resources, making the system universally capable of both vehicle control and customized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct access to vehicle controller is enabled, then applications can access vehicle data, but legal problems and safety regulation compliance issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication access to vehicle dataVSAvoidsafety regulation compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The application computer acts as an intermediary layer between applications and the vehicle controller. Applications request data or control commands through the application computer, which then communicates with the control computer's operating system. This intermediary structure allows data access while maintaining the control computer's authority over safety-critical operations and regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the application computer handles user-specific functions and data requests, while the control computer's operating system maintains vehicle control and safety compliance. This segmentation allows applications to access vehicle data without compromising the reliability and regulatory compliance of the core vehicle control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If third-party programs are integrated into vehicle control, then functionality is extended, but manufacturer know-how protection is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethird-party application integrationVSAvoidmanufacturer know-how exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimensional layer (the application computer as a virtual machine) above the existing control computer system. Third-party programs run in this separate dimensional space within the operating system, allowing functionality extension without exposing the underlying vehicle control algorithms and manufacturer know-how that reside in the control computer's core system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external systems are used for function extensions, then customization is possible, but development and adaptation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiddevelopment and adaptation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The application computer provides self-service capabilities for customization. Users can install, configure, and run their own applications on the control computer without requiring manufacturer intervention for each customization. The system's existing hardware and operating system resources are automatically available to applications, eliminating the need for time-consuming external development and adaptation projects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2775363B9Method for integrating applications into a control system of an industrial truck

Publication Date: 2018.03.21 STILL GMBH

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves operatively connecting a control computer (2) to drive- or operating functions (6) or sensors (7) of an industrial truck (1), where the application is loaded as a software in an application computer (4). The applications are accessed at the driving functions or operating functions or sensors of the industrial truck over defined interfaces (5) of the application computer. An independent claim is included for a system for multiple industrial trucks.