Robot Command Source Selection for Flexible Multi-Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot control systems do not effectively handle multiple operation instruction sources, limiting flexibility and adaptability in controlling robot behavior.

Innovation Solution

A robot control system that allows flexible operation by enabling multiple sources, including a program interpretation unit, an operation unit, a development support device, and an IEC program execution unit, with a selection unit to prioritize and generate commands based on these sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single operation instruction source is used to control the robot, then the control system is simple, but the operational flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to accept and process operation instructions from multiple different sources (teaching pendant, upper computer, and automatic program execution), making the system universal and adaptable to various operational scenarios. The selection unit enables the system to function in multiple modes depending on which source is active.

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

Solution Approach 2:

A selection unit is introduced as an intermediary component that receives operation instructions from multiple sources and selectively passes them to the robot controller. This mediator manages the complexity of handling multiple sources while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation instruction sources are integrated, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse to multiple operation scenariosVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a selection unit for managing multiple instruction sources, a robot controller for executing commands, and individual execution paths for each source type. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple scenarios without creating a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection unit dynamically switches between different operation sources based on operational needs. The system can transition between teaching mode, automatic execution mode, and upper computer control mode, adapting its behavior without requiring structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4119306B1Robot control system and control method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 OMRON CORP
  • EP4119306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4119306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4119306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The robot control system includes a first control device and a second control device network-connected to the first control device to control a robot. The first control device includes a selection unit configured to enable any one of a plurality of sources that provide information about generation of a command instructing behavior of the robot, and a first communication unit configured to transmit a command generated according to the information from the enabled source in the plurality of sources to the second control device. The second control device includes a second communication unit configured to receive the command transmitted from the first control device, and a command value generation unit configured to sequentially generate a command value for driving each axis of the robot so as to provide the behavior instructed by the command from the first control device.