Numerical Controller Wait Command Scheduling for CPU Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Numerical controllers consume excessive CPU resources due to repeated checks for predetermined conditions in control programs using 'IF' and 'GOTO' statements, leading to potential delays in processes like display control.
Innovation Solution
A numerical controller is designed with distinct processing units to identify and execute wait commands efficiently, allocating resources effectively by separating the processes of determining wait conditions from other CPU tasks within a control cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control commands such as IF and GOTO statements are used to define operations based on predetermined conditions, then the industrial machine can perform conditional control and synchronization, but CPU resources are excessively consumed due to repeated condition checks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into multiple processing units: a first processing unit that identifies wait commands in the control program, a second processing unit that determines whether wait conditions are satisfied, and a third processing unit that executes other processes. This segmentation allows the system to handle conditional control efficiently by dedicating specific units to specific tasks, reducing overall CPU resource consumption while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If repeated condition checks are performed to ensure synchronization, then operational accuracy is maintained, but process delays occur in non-critical functions such as display control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides processing into priority levels using separate processing units. The first and second processing units handle critical wait condition checks with high priority, while the third processing unit handles non-critical processes like display control. This ensures that synchronization accuracy is maintained through dedicated condition checking while preventing delays in lower-priority functions by allowing them to execute during remaining periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The third processing unit executes processes continuously during the remaining period of the control cycle after wait condition checks are completed. This ensures that non-critical functions such as display control maintain continuous operation without being interrupted by repeated condition checks, thereby eliminating delays while critical synchronization tasks are handled separately.
3Ease of operation
If conventional control commands are used without wait command recognition, then programming simplicity is maintained, but CPU resources are wasted due to inability to optimize condition check execution
Solution Approach 1:
The first processing unit automatically identifies wait commands within the control program and routes them to the second processing unit for specialized handling. This self-service mechanism allows the system to optimize condition check execution without requiring programmers to write complex optimized code, maintaining programming simplicity while improving processing efficiency through automatic command recognition and routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical controller includes a first processing unit configured to execute a first process of determining whether or not a control program includes a wait command, a second processing unit configured to execute a second process of determining whether or not a wait condition included in the wait command is satisfied when it is determined that the control program includes the wait command, and a third processing unit configured to execute a third process different from the first process and the second process in response to executing the second process within a period of the first control cycle.