Method and apparatus for monitoring or controlling a machine tool system

摘要

A system for remotely monitoring one or more machine tool systems is disclosed. The system may monitor a plurality of machine tool systems which are associated with different customers and at a plurality of facilities. A remote user may access information regarding the machine tool system through a user interface and specific that notifications be sent upon the occurrence of various conditions. A system for updating software of a machine tool system is also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring with a remote controller a first machine tool system and a second machine tool system each of the machine tool systems having a plurality of tools which are used to remove material from a respective blank to form a respective part, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a first notification from the first machine tool system that the first machine tool system is active, the first notification being provided through a first data connection to the remote controller, the first data connection being initiated by the first machine tool system; receiving a second notification from the second machine tool system that the second machine tool system is active, the second notification being provided through a second data connection to the remote controller, the second data connection being initiated by the second machine tool system; receiving periodic updates from the first machine tool system related to a plurality of parameters being monitored by the first machine tool system; receiving periodic updates from the second machine tool system related to a plurality of parameters being monitored by the second machine tool system; and providing to a remote device a user interface which includes a graphical representation of the first machine tool system and a graphical representation of the second machine tool system.