Motion Control Command Editing for Custom PLC Functions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion control systems for machines like PLCs and CNCs restrict users from modifying or adding command words, limiting functional capabilities and reusability due to manufacturer-defined restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A program development device and controller system that allows users to edit and add new motion control commands, with a first and second command library, enabling the execution of user-defined commands while preventing unauthorized firmware API usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the manufacturer provides standardized command words with fixed processing content, then the operation reliability is guaranteed, but the user cannot change or add command words to realize new functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidfunctionality customization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The command word system is segmented into standardized command words (provided by manufacturer) and user-defined command words (created by user). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable standardized operations while enabling user customization through separate command word definitions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The command word structure is designed to be universal, supporting both manufacturer-provided standardized commands and user-defined custom commands within the same system framework. This multi-functionality allows the PLC to handle both reliable standardized operations and flexible user-specific functions without compromising either aspect.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user can freely modify command word processing content, then new functions can be realized, but the firmware or operating system may lose control or become deadlocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality extensionVSAvoidsystem control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary mechanism (command word definition interface and validation system) is introduced between user input and firmware execution. This intermediary validates user-defined command words, ensures they meet system requirements, and prevents unauthorized or harmful operations, thereby enabling functionality extension while maintaining system control stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by implementing validation and control mechanisms before user-defined command words are executed. This prevents potential harmful actions (such as firmware deadlocks or loss of control) by checking and approving command word definitions in advance, allowing functionality extension while protecting system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3822719B1Program development device and controller
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 OMRON CORP
  • EP3822719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822719B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A user can change the processing content of a command word used for motion control of a machine and add a new command word. A program development device (5) that creates a user program operated with a controller (1) that controls the motion of the machine, wherein the device comprises: a first storage unit (510) that associates a preset first motion control command with a command word, and stores the preset first motion control command; and an editing unit (502, 504) that edits the motion control command corresponding to the command word according to the instruction of the user.