HMI-Based Robot Array Configuration via Positional ID Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring groups of mobile field devices, such as robots, are inefficient and complex, requiring pre-programming in manufacturing or on-site setup with dedicated computers and exposed ports, which can be time-consuming and expose systems to misuse.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable human-machine interface (HMI) device to wirelessly configure field devices by assigning unique identifiers based on their position within a formation, eliminating the need for pre-existing IDs and reducing the complexity of setup, allowing devices to operate independently and coordinatedly without extensive customized programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robots are pre-programmed at the factory with unique identifiers, then each robot can be individually identified and controlled, but each robot needs to be tracked from the factory to its specific corresponding position in the array, and failing to place any given robot in its correct position could result in unexpected behaviors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by having robots self-assign unique identifiers based on their detected positions in the array before coordinated operation begins. The configuration device captures images of the array, determines robot positions, and automatically assigns IDs without requiring manual tracking or pre-programming at the factory.
2Ease of operation
If programming is done using an on-board HMI provided on each robot, then each robot can be programmed independently, but this leads to increased device cost and the minimal functionality of typical HMIs causes the individual setup to be lengthy and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the configuration functionality from individual robot HMIs and consolidates it into a single external configuration device. This configuration device performs all identification, positioning, and programming tasks centrally, eliminating the need for expensive, fully-functional HMIs on each robot while maintaining independent programming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration device serves multiple functions: capturing images of the robot array, determining robot positions, assigning unique identifiers, and programming robots. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate HMIs on each robot, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If robots are programmed in the field using a computer physically connected to every robot via a data communications port, then configuration can be done on-site, but this is time consuming and requires an exposed port which increases the complexity of the electronics box and exposes configuration details to misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical connection method (physical cable connections via exposed ports) with an optical method. The configuration device captures images of the robot array and uses image processing to determine robot positions and assign identifiers wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical connections and exposed ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary configuration device that acts as a mediator between the deployment operator and the robots. This device handles all configuration tasks centrally, including position determination through image capture and automatic identifier assignment, eliminating the need for direct physical connections to each robot.
4Reliability
If each robot is provided with customized control programs tailored to its specific task and position, then coordinated operation can be achieved, but programming each robot individually is lengthy and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically assigning unique identifiers to robots based on their positions in the array before coordinated operation begins. The configuration device captures images, determines positions, and programs all robots in sequence without requiring lengthy individual setup for each robot.
Solution Approach 2:
Each robot is programmed with a standardized control program that includes functionality to determine its own unique identifier from the configuration device. Robots self-configure by receiving their assigned identifiers automatically, eliminating the need for manual customization of each robot's control program while maintaining coordinated operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is disclosed for configuring a group of mobile field devices using a configuration device (an HMI) is provided. In particular, the HMI is programmed to configure identically programmed field devices that are arbitrarily arranged in an application-dependent formation by defining and providing configuration parameters to the devices via wired and/or wireless communication. In particular, the HMI assigns a unique identifier to respective robots as a function of the position of the robot within the formation or the layout of the environment. Accordingly each robot can be efficiently configured by the HMI to operate independently yet as a coordinated member of the group and without requiring the robots to be placed in specific positions during the initial deployment. This obviates the need for constant independent control commands for each robot by a central controller or providing a customized control program to each robot during deployment.