U.S. patent application number 15/566850 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for containerized communications gateway.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tulip Interfaces, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Tulip Interfaces, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matt Aldrich, Rony Kubat, Natan Linder.
Application Number | 20180203437 15/566850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57126203 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180203437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kubat; Rony ; et
al. |
July 19, 2018 |
CONTAINERIZED COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY
Abstract
Methods and systems for facilitating manufacturing and, in
particular, methods and systems that run at least one driver on at
least one containerized processing unit to provide communication
with at least one piece of machinery. By interfacing with existing
machinery and running the driver(s) on a containerized processing
unit, an operator is able to modify at least one operational
parameter related to the at least one piece of machinery without
risk of affecting the stability of other parts of the system.
Inventors: |
Kubat; Rony; (Cambridge,
MA) ; Aldrich; Matt; (Winchester, MA) ;
Linder; Natan; (Cambridge, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tulip Interfaces, Inc. |
Somerville |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tulip Interfaces, Inc.
Somerville
MA
|
Family ID: |
57126203 |
Appl. No.: |
15/566850 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
April 17, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2016/028016 |
371 Date: |
October 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62149496 |
Apr 17, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23Q 17/008 20130101;
G05B 19/408 20130101; G05B 2219/50203 20130101; Y02P 90/82
20151101; G06T 7/50 20170101; H04W 4/38 20180201; G05B 2219/50185
20130101; G05B 19/4062 20130101; G05B 2219/24048 20130101; G05B
19/41845 20130101; G06F 3/0484 20130101; G06T 7/70 20170101; G06F
3/011 20130101; G05B 2219/32128 20130101; G06T 7/30 20170101; G06F
3/017 20130101; G06K 9/00671 20130101; G06F 3/0425 20130101; G06Q
10/06393 20130101; B25F 5/00 20130101; G05B 19/4184 20130101; G05B
2219/40104 20130101; G06F 3/04815 20130101; G05B 19/4065 20130101;
Y02P 90/80 20151101; G06K 9/00355 20130101; G05B 19/41815 20130101;
G05B 19/4186 20130101; G06Q 10/06398 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/418 20060101
G05B019/418 |
Claims
1. A system for facilitating manufacturing, the system comprising:
a user interface for at least receiving input from a user and for
providing output to a user; a communication mechanism for enabling
communication between the user interface and at least one piece of
machinery or at least one sensor; and at least one containerized
processing unit configured to run at least one driver providing
communication between the user interface and the at least one piece
of machinery, wherein the at least one driver enables the user to
modify at least one operational parameter related to the at least
one piece of machinery the at least one sensor.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one operational
parameter relates to execution of at least one process performed by
the at least one piece of machinery.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism
enables communication with the at least one piece of machinery via
a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of
MTConnect, OPC Unified Architecture, Modbus, and controller area
network bus.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication mechanism
enables communication with the at least one piece of machinery via
at least one of radio-frequency identification and barcode
communication.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a network-connected
storage for storing information related to the at least one
driver.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one containerized
processing unit ensures system integrity by detecting at least one
of over voltage, under voltage, and a short circuit in the
system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the containerized processing unit
enables a user to modify the driver and to receive feedback
regarding the modification in substantially real time.
8. A method for facilitating manufacturing, the method comprising:
providing a user interface for at least receiving input from a user
and for providing output to a user; enabling communication, via a
communication mechanism, between the user interface and at least
one piece of machinery or at least one sensor; and running, on at
least one containerized processing unit, at least one driver
providing communication between the user interface and the at least
one piece of machinery, wherein the at least one driver enables the
user to modify at least one operational parameter related to the at
least one piece of machinery or the at least one sensor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one operational
parameter relates to execution of at least one process performed by
the at least one piece of machinery.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving at least
one modification to the driver from a user.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing feedback
to the user regarding the modification to the driver in
substantially real time.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication mechanism
enables communication with the at least one piece of machinery via
a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of
MTConnect, OPC Unified Architecture, Modbus, and controller area
network bus.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication mechanism
enables communication with the at least one piece of machinery at
least one of radio-frequency identification and barcode
communication.
14. The method of claim 8, further comprising storing, via a
network-connected storage, information related to the at least one
driver.
15. The method of claim 8, further comprising detecting, via the at
least one containerized processing unit, at least one of over
voltage, under voltage, and a short circuit in the system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of co-pending
U.S. provisional application No. 62/149,496, filed on Apr. 17,
2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
as if set forth in its entirety herein.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for
facilitating manufacturing, including embodiments using
containerized processing units configured to run at least one
modifiable driver that enables communications with a piece of
machinery.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Modern factories and other manufacturing facilities are
increasingly using automated technologies. Often times it is
desirable learn about the operation of machinery and to control the
operation of machinery. To accomplish this, facilities have come to
rely on automation equipment such as programmable logic controllers
(PLCs). PLCs are essentially microcontrollers used to automate many
different types of machines and in different applications.
[0004] PLCs, however, suffer from significant disadvantages. For
example, PLCs are expensive and typically are difficult to program.
Additionally, they are application-specific and it is difficult for
them to perform the functions of a computer and vice versa. It is
also difficult for PLCs to interface with existing machinery and
for operators to modify or otherwise change existing operating
procedures.
[0005] PLC-based solutions also tend not to be modular or useful
across multiple types of machinery or other types of tool devices.
Accordingly, manufacturers of industrial computing equipment
typically do not benefit from economies of scale due to a
customer's specific business model and/or the manufacturer has a
long tail product inventory approach, in which case certain
products that are not mass-produced or highly marketed may require
a longer amount of time in order to become profitable.
[0006] Additionally, it is generally difficult to quickly use
off-the-shelf equipment with higher level, abstraction drivers,
such as web-based and/or universal serial bus (USB) drivers.
Moreover, there may also be issues with security because module
updates can be difficult in a monolithic PLC/C based system.
[0007] A need exists, therefore, for containerized methods and
systems that can non-invasively interface with different types of
machinery for facilitating manufacturing that overcome these
disadvantages.
SUMMARY
[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to
identify or exclude key features or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0009] In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate
to a system for facilitating manufacturing, the system including a
user interface for at least receiving input from a user and for
providing output to a user; a communication mechanism for enabling
communication between the user interface and at least one piece of
machinery or at least one sensor; and at least one containerized
processing unit configured to run at least one driver providing
communication between the user interface and the at least one piece
of machinery, wherein the at least one driver enables the user to
modify at least one operational parameter related to the at least
one piece of machinery or the at least one sensor.
[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one operational parameter
relates to execution of at least one process performed by the at
least one piece of machinery.
[0011] In one embodiment, the communication mechanism enables
communication with the at least one piece of machinery via a
communication protocol selected from the group consisting of
MTConnect, OPC Unified Architecture, Modbus, and controller area
network bus.
[0012] In one embodiment, the communication mechanism enables
communication with the at least one piece of machinery via at least
one of radio-frequency identification and barcode
communication.
[0013] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a
network-connected storage for storing information related to the at
least one driver.
[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one containerized processing
unit ensures system integrity by detecting at least one of over
voltage, under voltage, and a short circuit in the system.
[0015] In one embodiment, the containerized processing unit enables
a user to modify the driver and to receive feedback regarding the
modification in substantially real time.
[0016] In another aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to a
method for facilitating manufacturing. The method includes
providing a user interface for at least receiving input from a user
and for providing output to a user; enabling communication, via a
communication mechanism, between the user interface and at least
one piece of machinery or at least one sensor; and running, on at
least one containerized processing unit, at least one driver
providing communication between the user interface and the at least
one piece of machinery, wherein the at least one driver enables the
user to modify at least one operational parameter related to the at
least one piece of machinery or the at least one sensor.
[0017] In one embodiment, the at least one operational parameter
relates to execution of at least one process performed by the at
least one piece of machinery.
[0018] In one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving at
least one modification to the driver from a user. In one
embodiment, the method further comprises providing feedback to the
user regarding the modification to the driver in substantially real
time.
[0019] In one embodiment, the communication mechanism enables
communication with the at least one piece of machinery via a
communication protocol selected from the group consisting of
MTConnect, OPC Unified Architecture, Modbus, and controller area
network bus.
[0020] In one embodiment, the communication mechanism enables
communication with the at least one piece of machinery at least one
of radio-frequency identification and barcode communication.
[0021] In one embodiment, the method further comprises storing, via
a network-connected storage, information related to the at least
one driver.
[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises detecting,
via the at least one containerized processing unit, at least one of
over voltage, under voltage, and a short circuit in the system.
[0023] These and other features and advantages, which characterize
the present non-limiting embodiments, will be apparent from a
reading of the following detailed description and a review of the
associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following detailed description are
explanatory only and are not restrictive of the non-limiting
embodiments as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described
with reference to the following figures in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a system for
facilitating manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the architecture of the
cell (gateway component) of FIG. 1 in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the cell subsystem of FIG.
2 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the power management module
302 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the compute module 304 of
FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the communications bridge
306 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the Quality
Assurance/Development module 308 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the digital output module
310 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the digital input module
312 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the analog input module
314 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the Universal Serial Bus
module 316 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the user panel 318 of FIG.
3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the memory 320 of FIG. 3
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the field panel 322 of
FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart of a method for facilitating
manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of a method for facilitating
manufacturing in accordance with another embodiment; and
[0041] FIG. 17 depicts a flowchart of a method for facilitating
manufacturing in accordance with yet another embodiment.
[0042] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to corresponding parts throughout the different views. The drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on the
principles and concepts of operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Various embodiments are described more fully below with
reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof,
and which show specific exemplary embodiments. However, embodiments
may be implemented in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
embodiments to those skilled in the art. Embodiments may be
practiced as methods, systems or devices. Accordingly, embodiments
may take the form of a hardware implementation, an entirely
software implementation or an implementation combining software and
hardware aspects. The following detailed description is, therefore,
not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0044] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or to "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0045] Some portions of the description that follow are presented
in terms of symbolic representations of operations on non-transient
signals stored within a computer memory. These descriptions and
representations are used by those skilled in the data processing
arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to
others skilled in the art. Such operations typically require
physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic
or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared and otherwise manipulated. It is convenient at times,
principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals
as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or
the like. Furthermore, it is also convenient at times, to refer to
certain arrangements of steps requiring physical manipulations of
physical quantities as modules or code devices, without loss of
generality.
[0046] However, all of these and similar terms are to be associated
with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient
labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated
otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is
appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing
terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or
"determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the action and
processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing
device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as
physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system
memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission or display devices. Portions of the present disclosure
include processes and instructions that may be embodied in
software, firmware or hardware, and when embodied in software, may
be downloaded to reside on and be operated from different platforms
used by a variety of operating systems.
[0047] The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for
performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially
constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a
general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a
computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program
may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but
is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical
disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs),
random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical
cards, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any
type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and
each may be coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, the
computers referred to in the specification may include a single
processor or may be architectures employing multiple processor
designs for increased computing capability.
[0048] The processes and displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct more specialized apparatus to perform one or more method
steps. The structure for a variety of these systems is discussed in
the description below. In addition, any particular programming
language that is sufficient for achieving the techniques and
implementations of the present disclosure may be used. A variety of
programming languages may be used to implement the present
disclosure as discussed herein.
[0049] In addition, the language used in the specification has been
principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and
may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the
disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the present disclosure is
intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, of the scope of the
concepts discussed herein.
[0050] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the
following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the
description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or
"computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or
the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system,
or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities
within the computer system memories or registers or other such
information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0051] Certain aspects of the present invention include process
steps and instructions that could be embodied in software, firmware
or hardware, and when embodied in software, could be downloaded to
reside on and be operated from different platforms used by a
variety of operating systems.
[0052] The language used in the specification has been principally
selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not
have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive
subject matter. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present
invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the
scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims.
[0053] Features of the present invention relate generally to
methods and systems for facilitating manufacturing. The methods and
systems run at least one driver on at least one containerized
processing unit to provide communication between a user interface
and at least one piece of machinery. By interfacing with existing
machinery and running the driver(s) on a containerized processing
unit, an operator is able to modify at least one operational
parameter related to the at least one piece of machinery and
without risk of affecting the stability of other parts of the
system.
[0054] In the context of the present application, the terms
"operator" and "user" may be used interchangeably. These terms may
refer to a person within a manufacturing facility who operates or
otherwise uses machinery or may refer to a person who modifies at
least one operational parameter related to the machinery, for
example.
[0055] In the context of the present application, the terms
"operational parameter" may refer to how machinery is operated.
Operational parameters may refer to, for example, processes
performed by the machinery, steps of the processes performed by the
machinery, and other operating characteristics of the machinery.
This list is non-exhaustive and it is contemplated that other types
of operational parameters may be included without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0056] Although the features of the present application are
described as being implemented in manufacturing facilities such as
factories, it is contemplated that the features of the invention
may be used in other applications. Applications such as those in
farming, surveillance, counter-terrorism, and construction, for
example, may benefit from the features of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 1 depicts the overall system architecture 100 for
facilitating manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. Information may be communicated between the storage 102
via an internet connection 104 and a plurality of cells 106. In the
context of the present application, a "cell" may refer to a gateway
component that collects information from the factory floor and
sends it to the network-connected storage 102 such as, for example,
a cloud-based server. The cells 106 may connect, for example, to a
PLC to record output from the PLC, or to an RFID reader, barcode
scanner, or to a piece of manufacturing equipment.
[0058] The cells 106 may be implemented as hardware that physically
or electrically connects to manufacturing machinery to actively or
passively collect information, and/or as a software program that
interfaces with machine networks (e.g., OPC-UA). The cells 106 may
themselves act as standard interface servers (e.g., OPC-UA) to
allow for integration into existing plant-floor IT infrastructure.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cells 106 may connect to the internet 104
via any type of hardwired or wireless connection (e.g., Ethernet,
802.11x, Bluetooth, etc.).
[0059] Also shown in FIG. 1, a cell 106 may also be in operable
communication with a mobile device 108 with a user interface 110.
The mobile device 108 may be implemented as a PC, tablet,
smartphone, laptop, or the like, and may present information
related to intra-factory data (e.g., video).
[0060] FIG. 2 presents an overview of the cell architecture 200,
namely, the cell platform 202. The cell platform 202 may include a
logging module 204 for logging information regarding program
execution and a network management module 206 configured to manage
communication with the storage 102.
[0061] The cell platform 202 may include a plurality of
containerized device drivers for controlling various devices
attached to the cell platform 202. These drivers 207 may include
programs for controlling devices connected via Universal Serial Bus
(USB) protocol 208, Inter-integrated circuit (I2C) protocol 210,
and general purpose input/output (GPIO) communications 212. It is
contemplated that other types of device drivers, whether available
now or invented hereafter, may be used in accord with various
embodiments of the invention.
[0062] The cell subsystem 214 includes various components for
controlling operation of the cell platform 202 and is illustrated
in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the cell subsystem 214 may include a
power management module (PMM) 302, a compute module 304, a
communications bridge 306, an optional Quality
Assurance/Development module 308 (e.g., for performing quality
assurance and testing procedures), a digital output module 310, a
digital input module 312, an analog input module 314, a USB module
316, a user panel 318, memory 320, and a field panel 322.
[0063] FIG. 3 is merely exemplary and it is contemplated that the
cell subsystem 216 may include other components in lieu of and/or
in addition to those illustrated. Other types of embodiments are
expressly contemplated such, as for example, taking advantage of a
standardized computing input/output interface, so that satisfying
certain computing requirements can be accomplished by simply
swapping hardware.
[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates the PMM 302 of FIG. 3 in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention. The PMM 302 may include a power
supply 402, an eFUSE module 404 to allow for dynamic operation of
the PMM 302 (e.g., an electronic-fuse consisting of several
integrated circuits and passive components), a buck converter
module 406, and a supervisory circuit 408. This is merely an
exemplary configuration of the PMM 302 and it is contemplated that
other components in lieu of and/or in addition to those shown may
be included. For example, although specific component model numbers
are listed, it is contemplated that other models may be used as
long as the features of the invention may be accomplished.
[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates the compute module 304 of FIG. 3 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The compute module
304 may be implemented as, for example, a Raspberry Pi.RTM. device,
an Odroid.RTM. device, or other similar consumer hardware. This
list is non-exhaustive and it is expressly contemplated that other
types and configurations of the compute module 304 may be used. For
example, the cell hardware could be designed to incorporate any
processing devices and memory directly on the board.
[0066] The compute module 304 may further include a plurality of
connection mechanisms 502, such as, but not limited to, 40P HDR,
I2C, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and/or GPIO. The type of
connection used may depend on the connected component. For example,
the I2C connection may be in connection with the QA/DEV module 308,
the digital output module 310, the digital input module 312, the
analog input module 314, the user panel 318, and memory 320. The
SPI connection may be used to connect with the QA/DEV module 308
and the communication bridge 306, and the GPIO connection may be in
connection with the user panel 318, for example.
[0067] The compute module 304 may also include a USB connection 504
to receive, for example, a WiFi adaptor, an external console 506,
and/or an Ethernet connection 508. This USB connection 504 may
further be in connection with the field panel 322, for example.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates the communications bridge 306 of FIG. 3
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
communications bridge 306 may include a CAN BUS 602, a meshed radio
604, and a MODBUS 606. This illustration of the communications
bridge 306 is merely exemplary and it is contemplated that the
communications bridge 306 may be include other components in
addition to and/or in lieu of those illustrated. Although specific
component model numbers are shown, it is contemplated that other
models may be used as long as the features of the invention may be
accomplished.
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates the Quality Assurance and Development
Module 308 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment. The QA/DEV
module 308 may include session initiation protocols for I2C 702 and
for SPI 704 for at least signaling and/or controlling communication
sessions over the respective communication mechanism.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates the digital output module 310 of FIG. 3
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The digital
output module 310 may process digital outputs and may include a
general purpose input card 802, a general purpose output module
804, a driver module 806 including a transient voltage suppressor
(TVS) to protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD), status
(STS) LEDS 808, a 3.50 mm header connector 810, and a power supply
812. Although specific component model numbers are shown, it is
contemplated that other models may be used as long as the features
of the invention may be accomplished.
[0071] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the digital input module
312 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
The digital input module 312 may process digital inputs and may
include status LEDS 902, a general purpose input card 904, a
general purpose output module 906, a 3.50 mm header connector 908,
and a power supply 910. Although specific component model numbers
are shown, it is contemplated that other models may be used as long
as the features of the invention may be accomplished.
[0072] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the analog input module
314 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
The analog input module 314 may process analog inputs and include
status LEDS 1002, an analog-to-digital converter 1004, an analog
input condition module 1006 with a linear optocoupler and an
amplifier, a 3.50 mm header connector 1008, and a power supply
1010. Although specific component model numbers are shown, it is
contemplated that other models may be used as long as the features
of the invention may be accomplished.
[0073] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the Universal Serial Bus
module 316 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. The USB 316 may connect with a plurality of different
devices such as a linear regulator 1102, a high dynamic range (HDR)
imaging device 1104, an integrated circuit 1106, interface 1108,
power distribution switches 1110, inputs 1112, and power supply
1114. These components may be in operable communication with the
compute module 304. Although specific component model numbers are
shown, it is contemplated that other models may be used as long as
the features of the invention may be accomplished.
[0074] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates the user panel 318 in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The user panel 318
may act as an input/output device for user interaction. The user
panel 318 may include a user interface in the form of buttons,
displays, and other components to enable interaction with a
user.
[0075] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the memory 320 of FIG. 3
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment, the memory is implemented as an electrically erasable
programmable read-and-write memory 1302. However, it is
contemplated that other types of memory 320 may be used as long as
the features of the invention may be accomplished.
[0076] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the field panel 322 of
FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
field panel 322 may include a D-Subminiature (DB) connector 1402, a
modular connector (e.g., RJ-45) 1404, and an antenna 1406. Although
specific component types/models are listed, it is contemplated that
other models and types may be used as long as the features of the
invention may be accomplished.
[0077] Referring back to FIG. 2, the cell architecture 200 may
contain include various system busses (e.g., a USB bus 216, an I2C
bus 218, and a GPIO bus 220), each connected with the corresponding
device driver 208, 210, and 212. These busses enable connectivity
with a plurality of devices 222a-f and other peripherals in the
field.
[0078] The devices 222a-f may be any type of machinery with which
operators interact. These devices 222a-f may also be implemented or
otherwise connected with interfaces such as touchscreen computers,
digital tablets, interactive projector-camera systems, head-mounted
displays (HMDs), laptops, smart phones, smart watches, or the
like.
[0079] Operators can log in and log out using these devices, view
standard work, call for maintenance, review important factory-floor
machine configuration settings and report information through
forms, among other capabilities. The design and functions displayed
to operators may be created by manufacturing engineers using the
software.
[0080] Features of the present invention therefore enable
communication with existing devices such as machinery on a factory
floor. Additionally, the cell platform 202 provides a gateway in a
non-invasive, or minimally-invasive way for the often complex,
custom, unconnected and proprietary machines used on a factory
floor to be integrated into the system.
[0081] This configuration allows production engineers to write
"drivers" that interpret monitored signals (e.g., from a machine or
tool device on the factory floor) and translate them into messages
for operators or for storage. The sent messages can be used to
trigger events in the execution of a process or to store data about
the state of the machine or process for further analysis.
[0082] It is also contemplated that a user interface, such as a
projection-based or touch-screen-based interface configured with a
device described above can be combined into a single physical unit
with the cell 106. The gateway (as enabled by the cell 106) may
also be completely software-based, and communicate via standard
network protocols (e.g., OPC, MTConnect). It is also contemplated
that communication may occur by simply detecting an electrical
signal beyond a specific threshold by two devices.
[0083] The cell 106 is configured to be agnostic with regard
executing software and drivers to accommodate different kinds of
devices and to allow for transitions between devices (including
virtual types of entities). The cell 106 also provides resiliency
through the use of containerized drivers. In this configuration,
the cell 106 software, as well as the environment that it runs on,
is packaged in individual containers including the cell 106
software and various application dependencies, but typically
omitting operating system components that are accessed at run time
through interfaces and other abstractions.
[0084] This allows for, among other features, transitions between
different devices. Additionally, this allows for operators to
develop and/or edit drivers themselves and without risk of
affecting the stability of other parts of the system 100. As the
operating system is outside the container, the drivers in the
container can be edited without shutting down or restarting the
operating system, which could adversely affect manufacturing
operations. When changes to the drivers are made, the operating
system can execute the newly-revised driver providing an operator
with immediate feedback concerning the effects and efficacy of the
driver changes. Similarly, this sandbox-like configuration provides
for increased security.
[0085] Features of the present invention also provide resiliency in
the event of power failure of system components or if a network
connection is down. For example, the cells 106 may have radio
diversity and cell-specific links to monitor operations in the
event of power failure or connection failure. Additionally, the
cell 106 may be configured to detect under/over voltage (e.g., via
transient voltage suppressors), short circuits, or the like. The
cell 106 may be configured to communicate an alert to that effect
to an operator or to take steps to autonomously respond to the
issue and to take any steps to prevent loss of data. For example,
components of the system 100 may be power source agnostic and
configured to seamlessly transition between power sources as
desired.
[0086] This configuration also creates an open and extensible
platform. For example, the system 100 may provide application
programming interfaces (APIs) to third-party application developers
to enable them to create (and edit) custom manufacturing
applications. Using the cell platform 202, developers can use
advanced interaction, sensing, and data collection interfaces to
create and deploy customized applications on the platform.
[0087] This provides an advantage to existing manufacturing
operations as it removes the need to heavily invest in the
technical aspects of creating, instrumenting, and deploying
processes. In turn, this allows production engineers to focus on
solving manufacturing problems specific to their manufacturing
domain.
[0088] In another aspect, the open nature of the cell platform 202
enables the integration of third party tools and data services.
Such services may include business intelligence, data analytics,
data visualization, and others. This allows non-traditional
manufacturing-related information services that are available on
the internet to be integrated in a controlled environment and
provided to operators and production engineers on a factory floor.
For example, social web services, news, weather, or any other feed
or service that is web native could easily be integrated.
[0089] Additionally, the cell platform 202 provides means to allow
specific planning procedures to be embedded in the system 100. Such
procedures may be used to make use of the granular data the system
100 collects, and use it to achieve better resource planning and
allocation for manufacturing operations.
[0090] FIG. 15 depicts a flowchart of a method 1500 for
facilitating manufacturing in accordance with one embodiment. Step
1502 involves providing a user interface for at least receiving
input from an operator and for providing output to an operator. The
user interface may be configured as a device such as devices 222a-f
and as discussed previously.
[0091] Step 1504 involves enabling communication, via a
communication mechanism, between the user interface and at least
one piece of machinery. The communication mechanism(s) may include
of those discussed previously such as, for example, USB, I2C, GPIO,
or the like. These connection mechanisms may enable communication
with at least one piece of machinery or other tool devices such as
those used in manufacturing facilities.
[0092] Step 1506 involves running, on at least one containerized
processing unit, at least one driver providing communication
between the user interface and at least one piece of machinery. The
at least one driver enables the operator to modify at least one
operational parameter related to the at least one piece of
machinery. As discussed previously, the containerization of the
driver(s), such as USB, I2C, GPIO, and a processing unit (e.g.,
cell), allows for operators to modify an operational parameter of
machinery associated with a particular driver and without risk of
affecting the stability of other parts of the system.
[0093] FIG. 16 depicts a flowchart of a method 1600 for
facilitating manufacturing in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention. Steps 1602, 1604, and 1606 are similar to steps
1502, 1504, and 1506, respectively, of FIG. 15 and are not repeated
here.
[0094] Step 1608 involves receiving at least one modification to
the driver from a user. The user may be a factory worker or an
engineer, for example. The user may, via the user interface (e.g.,
a user interface of device 222 of FIG. 2), modify at least one
operational parameter related to the at least one piece of
machinery. This operational parameter may relate to how a
particular piece of machinery executes a process, for example.
[0095] Step 1610 involves providing feedback to the user regarding
the modification to the driver in substantially real time. The
phrase "in substantially real time" may mean in real time or with
some minimal delay that does not significantly diminish the value
of the feedback provided to the user.
[0096] This feedback may be provided to the user via the user
interface, for example. These steps of modifying the operational
parameter and receiving feedback regarding the modification may be
referred to as "in-browser driver editing." Features of the present
invention do not require hardware to develop or modify the drivers
and users can instead edit the driver and receive live feedback
regarding the changes made to the driver. Therefore, users may
quickly learn how particular edits affect the driver (and whether
or not their modification will work properly) without needing to
shut down other parts of the system for testing.
[0097] FIG. 17 depicts a flowchart of a method 1700 for
facilitating manufacturing in accordance with yet another
embodiment. Steps 1702, 1704, and 1706 are similar to steps 1502,
1504, and 1506, respectively, of FIG. 15 and are not repeated
here.
[0098] Step 1708 involves storing, via a network-connected storage,
information related to the at least one driver. This storage may be
a cloud-based storage or a local storage, for example. The stored
information may relate to at least one operational parameter of
machinery associated with the at least one driver as well as a
modification to the driver.
[0099] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are
examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add
various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in
alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an
order different from that described, and that various steps may be
added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect
to certain configurations may be combined in various other
configurations. Different aspects and elements of the
configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also,
technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and
do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.
[0100] Embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, are
described above with reference to block diagrams and/or operational
illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products
according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The
functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order as
shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown in succession
may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks
may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality/acts involved. Additionally, or alternatively, not
all of the blocks shown in any flowchart need to be performed
and/or executed. For example, if a given flowchart has five blocks
containing functions/acts, it may be the case that only three of
the five blocks are performed and/or executed. In this example, any
of the three of the five blocks may be performed and/or
executed.
[0101] A statement that a value exceeds (or is more than) a first
threshold value may be equivalent to a statement that the value
meets or exceeds a second threshold value that is slightly greater
(or lower) than the first threshold value, e.g., the second
threshold value being one value higher (or lower) than the first
threshold value in the resolution of a relevant system. A statement
that a value is less than (or is within) a first threshold value
may be equivalent to a statement that the value is less than or
equal to a second threshold value that is slightly lower (or
greater) than the first threshold value, e.g., the second threshold
value being one value lower (or greater) than the first threshold
value in the resolution of the relevant system.
[0102] Specific details are given in the description to provide a
thorough understanding of example configurations (including
implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without
these specific details. For example, well-known circuits,
processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown
without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the
configurations. This description provides example configurations
only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or
configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of
the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an
enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various
changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
[0103] Having described several example configurations, various
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be
used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For
example, the above elements may be components of a larger system,
wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify
the application of various implementations or techniques of the
present disclosure. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken
before, during, or after the above elements are considered.
[0104] Having been provided with the description and illustration
of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision
variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments falling within
the general inventive concept discussed in this application that do
not depart from the scope of the following claims.
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