Parallel Motion Control Processing Using Segmented Multi-Core Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motion control systems in industrial applications lack efficiency and speed, necessitating improved systems and methods for developing motion control applications.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a plurality of processors to control a motion system, where input data from various portions of the system is processed in parallel by multiple processors to determine outputs, execute sequential functions such as state determination, trajectory generation, and setpoint calculation, enhancing processing efficiency and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a single processor is used to control the motion system, then the device complexity is low, but the processing speed and execution time are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the motion control system into multiple independent processors, where each processor is assigned to control specific axes or portions of the motion system. This segmentation allows parallel processing of control functions, thereby improving processing speed while distributing the computational burden across multiple independent units rather than increasing complexity of a single processor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from sequential processing (single processor executing functions one after another) to parallel processing (multiple processors executing functions simultaneously). This dimensional change from time-based sequential execution to space-based parallel execution enables the system to handle multiple motion control tasks concurrently, significantly improving processing speed without requiring a single overly complex processor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If sequential functions are executed by a single processor, then the execution time is long, but using multiple processors in parallel reduces execution time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexecution timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sequential functions into parallel function sets that can be executed simultaneously by different processors. Each processor executes a subset of functions for specific motion axes, allowing the total execution time to be reduced from the sum of sequential execution times to the maximum of parallel execution times, thereby minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By implementing parallel processing with multiple processors, the system ensures continuous and uninterrupted execution of motion control functions. While one processor is executing functions for certain axes, other processors simultaneously execute functions for different axes, eliminating idle waiting time and ensuring continuous productive action throughout the control cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If multiple processors are used to control different portions of the motion system, then the processing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the motion control system into multiple independent processor units, where each processor is responsible for specific axes or functional portions. This segmentation improves productivity by enabling parallel processing while managing device complexity through modular architecture, where each processor unit is relatively simple but collectively provides comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs multi-functionality where each processor in the parallel system is designed to be universally applicable for controlling different portions of the motion system. The processors use identical or similar architectures and can be configured for different axes, thereby improving processing efficiency through parallelism while avoiding the complexity of designing specialized processors for each function.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8250343B2Axial motion control processing by multiple cores respectively executing each of a sequence of functions in parallel for respective portions of a motion system
Publication Date: 2012.08.21 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP
  • US8250343B2 patent drawing
  • US8250343B2 patent drawing
  • US8250343B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Controlling a motion system using a plurality of processors. First input data may be received which corresponds to a first portion of the motion system. Second input data may be received which corresponds to a second portion of the motion system. Execution of a first function of a plurality of sequential functions may be assigned to a first processor to determine output for the first portion based on the first input data. Execution of the first function may be assigned to a second processor to determine output for the second portion based on the second input data. The first processor executing the first function and the second processor executing the first function may be performed in parallel. The output for the first portion of the motion system may be provided to the first portion. The output for the second portion of the motion system may be provided to the second portion.