Multi-Program Control Timing for Synchronized Machine Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices for NC machining tools and robots lack the ability to synchronize the execution of multiple application programs and sequence programs within a single control device, leading to inefficiencies in production processes.
Innovation Solution
A control device that includes a storage unit for storing application programs and a sequence program, with a parsing part that generates internal commands and a command calculation part that outputs control commands at every control cycle, allowing for synchronized execution of multiple application programs based on common timing using special commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple application programs are executed in parallel in a single control device, then productivity is improved through coordinated operations, but device complexity increases due to the need for synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device segments multiple application programs into separate executable units, each with its own command queue and execution timing. The parsing part divides programs into individual commands that can be processed independently, while the command calculation part manages each program's execution separately. This segmentation allows parallel execution without requiring complete system redesign, thereby improving productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared memory as an intermediary between multiple application programs and the command calculation part. This shared memory serves as a common communication interface where programs can deposit commands and where the command calculation part retrieves them for synchronized execution. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated operations between NC machining tools and robots without direct complex inter-program communication, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If special commands are added to synchronize application programs, then manufacturing precision is improved through coordinated timing, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased programming complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The command calculation part automatically detects special commands within application programs and self-manages the synchronization timing without external intervention. When the parsing part identifies a special command, the command calculation part autonomously coordinates the execution timing of multiple programs based on that special command, ensuring precise manufacturing coordination. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex manual synchronization programming, thereby improving manufacturing precision while partially mitigating programming complexity.
3Productivity
If a shared memory is used to store commands from multiple programs, then productivity is improved through efficient command management, but reliability may worsen due to potential data conflicts between programs
Solution Approach 1:
The parsing part performs preliminary actions by pre-processing application programs and depositing commands into the shared memory before execution. This preliminary organization of commands in a structured format allows the command calculation part to retrieve and execute commands efficiently. By preparing commands in advance and organizing them systematically in the shared memory, the system achieves high productivity while maintaining data consistency through the predetermined command structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The command calculation part reads commands from the shared memory and executes them while monitoring the execution status. This feedback mechanism ensures that commands are processed in the correct sequence and that any potential conflicts are detected and resolved. The systematic reading and execution process provides feedback loops that maintain data consistency in the shared memory, thereby ensuring reliability while achieving efficient command processing and high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a configuration of a control device that is capable of controlling the execution timing, etc. of multiple application programs when the multiple programs are executed in parallel in addition to a sequence program in a single control device. In the control device, when a first application program includes a first special command and a second application program includes a second special command, a command calculation part outputs a control command according to commands described after the first special command in the first application program and a control command according to commands described after the second special command in the second application program on the basis of a common timing.