Machine Learning Controller for Synchronous Axis Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronous control methods experience synchronization errors due to speed fluctuations in the master axis, as they rely on predicting the future position based on constant speed assumptions, leading to inaccuracies when acceleration, deceleration, or changes in speed occur.

Innovation Solution

A controller employing machine learning to predict the future position of the master axis by correlating past operation state data with judgment data on synchronization errors, allowing for high-precision synchronization of the slave axis with the master axis even during speed changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the future position of the master axis is predicted using constant speed assumption, then the prediction calculation is simple, but synchronization error occurs when speed fluctuations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction calculation complexityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static constant-speed prediction model to a dynamic prediction model that adapts to changing speeds. The learning section dynamically adjusts the prediction of master axis position based on actual operation states, allowing the system to maintain accuracy during acceleration, deceleration, and speed fluctuations while keeping the overall control structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using actual operation state data (position, speed, acceleration) to continuously refine and correct the predicted future position of the master axis. The learning section compares predicted positions with actual positions and adjusts prediction parameters accordingly, eliminating synchronization errors through continuous feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If machine learning is used to predict future position, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The learning section performs self-learning by automatically adjusting prediction parameters using actual operation data from the master axis. The system serves itself by continuously improving its prediction accuracy through embedded learning algorithms without requiring external intervention or complex external learning systems, thus improving synchronization accuracy while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The learning section serves multiple functions: it predicts future position, learns from actual operation data, corrects synchronization errors, and adapts to different operating conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single versatile component, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10444731B2Controller and machine learning device
Publication Date: 2019.10.15 FANUC LTD
  • US10444731B2 patent drawing
  • US10444731B2 patent drawing
  • US10444731B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller that can perform high-precision synchronous control even when the speed of a master axis changes and a machine learning device are provided. The controller includes the machine learning device that learns the future predicted position of the master axis with respect to the operation state of the master axis, and the machine learning device includes a state observing section that observes, as a state variable indicating the current state of an environment, master axis predicted position data indicating the future predicted position of the master axis and master axis operation state data indicating the operation state of the master axis, a judgment data acquiring section that acquires judgment data indicating the properness judgment result of a synchronization error of a slave axis, and a learning section that learns the future predicted position of the master axis by correlating the future predicted position of the master axis with the master axis operation state data by using the state variable and the judgment data.