Robot Control Apparatus Communication Port Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of control programs for industrial robots requires multiple computers and complex communication settings, making the process cumbersome due to the need for separate communication paths and different communication speeds and cycles between the robot control apparatus, image processing apparatus, and external computers.
Innovation Solution
A robot control apparatus with a first communication unit for external computers and a second communication unit connected to the image processing apparatus via a network, featuring a command processing unit that opens a communication port for the second unit to initiate communication, a data buffer to accumulate and manage image processing data, and the use of different communication devices like USB and LAN, allowing for simplified connection and program creation with a single external computer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple computers and separate communication paths are used for developing control programs, then communication reliability between robot control apparatus and image processing apparatus is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication paths into a single integrated communication path. The robot control apparatus directly communicates with the image processing apparatus through one communication path, eliminating the need for separate communication paths through multiple computers. This reduces system complexity while maintaining communication reliability through direct peer-to-peer communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed to handle multiple functions through a single communication path. The same communication interface manages both robot control commands and image processing data transfer, eliminating the need for dedicated separate communication paths for different functions. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple computers are used for developing control programs, then communication stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary intermediate computers from the communication path. By establishing direct communication between the robot control apparatus and image processing apparatus, the system removes the complexity of managing multiple computers while maintaining communication stability through direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between robot control apparatus and image processing apparatus. This interface handles protocol conversion and data formatting, making the system easier to operate while maintaining stable communication through standardized interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different communication speeds and cycles are used between robot control apparatus and image processing apparatus, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication where the communication interface can adapt its speed and cycle parameters in real-time based on the specific device being communicated with. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to work with different devices at their optimal speeds without requiring complex fixed-speed communication paths for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface changes its operational parameters (speed, cycle time, protocol) dynamically based on the communication partner. This parameter adaptation allows a single communication path to handle multiple device types with different requirements, reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control apparatus, which controls motions of an industrial robot based on processing results of an image processing apparatus which images the robot or objects around the robot, includes: a first communication unit which communicates with a computer for development as an external computer; a second communication unit which is connected to the image processing apparatus via a network; and a command processing unit which opens a communication port of the second communication unit and causes the second communication unit to start communication with the image processing apparatus via a server on the network in response to an open command received by the first communication unit.