Work Tool Communication Node for Centralized Controller Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work tool systems face challenges in efficient communication and data management across multiple controllers and servers, requiring operators to connect to each device individually, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when updating or changing versions.
Innovation Solution
A communication node is introduced to facilitate communication between tool servers and controllers by managing and relaying messages, eliminating the need for entities to know each other's locations or properties, and enabling compatibility between different versions of servers and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operators connect to each controller individually to collect or update data, then data can be accessed from each controller, but the process becomes very time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that centralizes data storage and communication for multiple controllers. Instead of connecting to each controller individually, operators connect to the server which maintains data from all controllers, eliminating the need for multiple individual connections and significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple controller interfaces into a single server interface. The server consolidates data from numerous controllers into one centralized access point, allowing operators to retrieve or update data from all controllers through a single connection rather than multiplying connections across each controller.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entities directly communicate with each other in the network, then communication can occur between them, but they need to know each other's location and properties which complicates the system
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a mediator that handles all communication between controllers and operators. Controllers communicate with the server rather than directly with operators or other controllers. The server manages location and property information internally, shielding entities from needing to know each other's details while maintaining communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal communication services to all controllers and operators in the system. It handles multiple functions including data storage, communication routing, and information management, allowing any entity to communicate with any other entity through the server without requiring direct knowledge of their locations or properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system updates with new equipment or version changes, then the system becomes more capable, but compatibility issues arise between different versions
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a compatibility layer between different controller versions and the operator interface. It manages communication protocols and data formats, allowing new equipment and version updates to be integrated without causing compatibility issues. The server handles version-specific details internally while maintaining a consistent interface for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts version-specific communication details from the controller-operator interaction and relocates them to the server. This separation allows controllers to be updated independently with different versions while the server maintains compatibility by managing the appropriate communication protocols for each controller version.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a system for a work tool communications network (11), comprising a server (10) comprising a memory and operatively coupled to a communication node, the communication node (14) comprising a processor and a memory device and being operatively coupled to a controller (16). The controller (16) comprises a processor and a memory and is adapted to control parameters of a work tool (18). The server (10) is adapted to connect to and register with the communication node. The controller (16) is adapted to connect to and register with the communication node (14), and the communication node (14) is adapted to establish a communication session between the server (10) and the controller (16) controlling the work tool (18).