Central Control Mapping for Multi-Axis Master-Slave Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control methods are limited to specific combinations of master and slave devices with fixed numbers of control axes, restricting versatility and flexibility in controlling diverse types of devices.

Innovation Solution

A central control device and method that abstracts master information into a fixed number of elements, allowing control of multiple types of master and slave devices with different numbers of control axes by determining allocation and extraction manners based on correspondence tables, enabling control of devices with varying numbers of translation and rotation axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional control methods are used with fixed number of control axes, then control precision for specific device combinations is maintained, but versatility and adaptability to different device types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system employs a universal abstracted information structure with fixed number of elements that can accommodate master devices and slave devices with varying numbers of control axes. The abstraction layer enables one control system to handle multiple device types by mapping different axis configurations to a standardized information format, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate control systems for each device combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary abstraction layer between the master device control and slave device control. This intermediary converts control information from various device configurations into a standardized format with fixed number of elements, enabling seamless communication and control between devices with different numbers of control axes while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If control system is designed for specific device combinations, then control precision is maintained, but flexibility in controlling diverse devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in controlling devicesVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter representation by abstracting control information into a standardized format with fixed number of elements. This parameter transformation allows the control system to maintain precision by ensuring consistent information structure while accommodating variations in device configurations through flexible mapping of control axes to the abstracted elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If abstracted information with fixed elements is used, then versatility across different device types is improved, but information loss or distortion may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of controlVSAvoidcontrol information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an abstracted copy of the control information with fixed number of elements that preserves the essential control parameters. This copying mechanism maintains information accuracy by systematically mapping control axes from devices with varying configurations to the standardized abstracted format, ensuring that critical control data is retained without loss or distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3528069B1Central control device, control method and program
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 OMRON CORP
  • EP3528069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3528069B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(C)
  • EP3528069B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

The control system (10) includes: a master device control part (20) controlling a master device (101) with a certain number of control axes (m) by using master information (Mm) composed of elements equal in number to the number of control axes; and a slave device control part (40) controlling a slave device (102) with a certain number of control axes (n) by using slave information (Sn) composed of elements equal in number to the number of control axes. A central control device (30) of the disclosure includes an abstracted master information creating part (31) for creating abstracted master information (AM6) having a fixed number of elements based on a predetermined manner for allocation and according to the number of elements of the received master information (Mm), and provides the abstracted master information (AM6) to the slave device control part (40) for creating the slave information (Sn).