Parallel Control Program Synchronization With Common Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control devices fail to efficiently synchronize the execution timing of multiple application programs and sequence programs in a single control device, leading to inefficiencies in production processes, particularly in controlling NC machining tools and robots.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a storage unit for sequence and application programs, a program execution part, a parsing part that generates internal commands, a shared memory for command storage, and an arbitration part to manage execution timing, allowing for coordinated output of control commands based on common timing and 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 operation of multiple actuators, but device complexity increases due to the need for synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing management unit as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple application programs and the control cycle. This unit receives timing information from the control cycle and distributes it to various programs, enabling synchronized operation without requiring complex direct inter-program communication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is segmented into distinct functional units: a sequence program execution unit, multiple application program execution units, and a timing management unit. Each unit operates independently but coordinates through standardized interfaces, allowing parallel execution while maintaining synchronization through modular architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If execution timing of multiple application programs is synchronized to control cycle, then manufacturing precision is improved through coordinated operation, but loss of time increases due to waiting for synchronization points
Solution Approach 1:
The timing management unit performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and distributing timing information to application programs before the control cycle executes. This allows programs to prepare their operations in advance and execute at precise synchronization points without unnecessary waiting, as the timing coordination is established beforehand.
3Ease of operation
If special commands are inserted into application programs to control execution timing, then ease of operation is improved through programmable timing control, but device complexity increases due to additional command processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The timing management unit is designed with universal functionality that handles multiple types of special commands through a unified processing mechanism. Rather than requiring separate processing paths for different timing control commands, the system uses a multi-functional unit that can interpret and execute various timing-related special commands, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a configuration of a control device (100) 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 (100), when a first application program (32-1) includes a first special command (320-1; 332) and a second application program (32-2) includes a second special command (320-2), a command calculation part (164) outputs a control command according to commands described after the first special command in the first application program (32-1) and a control command according to commands described after the second special command in the second application program (32-2) on the basis of a common timing.