Flexible real-time, multi-tasking architecture for tool condition monitoring
First Claim
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1. A system for manufacturing a workpiece comprising modular hardware interlinked with modular software, wherein said modular hardware comprises:
- (a) sensors for detecting signals in the manufacturing process;
(b) signal conditioning elements for transmitting said detected signals to the system;
wherein said modular software comprises one or more signal processing algorithms adapted for detecting features in aid detected signals for controlling the manufacture of the workpiece, wherein one or more interface task and data structures isolate the signal processing algorithms from external data formats, wherein said interface tasks and external data formats comprise a computer network interface, wherein said computer network interface is operable for recording sensor data and other diagnostic information, and wherein said computer network interface automatically reconnects if a network connection is broken and discards data without disrupting real-time performance if the network connection cannot be reestablished.
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Abstract
This invention utilizes a system of interlinked modular hardware and modular software for continuously controlling the manufacture of a workpiece. By using a modular architecture, the system capabilities can be expanded or modified without requiring major redesign.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for manufacturing a workpiece comprising modular hardware interlinked with modular software, wherein said modular hardware comprises:
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(a) sensors for detecting signals in the manufacturing process; (b) signal conditioning elements for transmitting said detected signals to the system; wherein said modular software comprises one or more signal processing algorithms adapted for detecting features in aid detected signals for controlling the manufacture of the workpiece, wherein one or more interface task and data structures isolate the signal processing algorithms from external data formats, wherein said interface tasks and external data formats comprise a computer network interface, wherein said computer network interface is operable for recording sensor data and other diagnostic information, and wherein said computer network interface automatically reconnects if a network connection is broken and discards data without disrupting real-time performance if the network connection cannot be reestablished. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of manufacturing a workpiece, comprising:
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(a) detecting signals in the manufacturing process by one or more interchangeable and modular sensing means; (b) transmitting said detected signals by interchangeable and modular signal conditioning means; and (c) processing said signals from said signal conditioning means by at least one signal processing algorithm means by detecting features in said signals for controlling the manufacturing process, said at least one signal processing algorithm means is modular software interlinked with said interchangeable and modular signal conditioning means, said at least one signal processing algorithm means is isolated from external data formats by one or more interface tasks and data structures, said interface tasks and external data formats comprise a computer network interface, and further comprising the steps of; using said computer network interface for recording sensor data and other diagnostic information; automatically reconnecting said network interface upon breaking of a network connection; and discarding data without disrupting real-time performance if the network connection cannot be reestablished.
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Specification