3D Virtual Emulator for Control Program Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies in factory automation lack the capability for accurate and rapid estimation of machine behaviors, particularly when actual machines cannot be used for verification, leading to inefficiencies in control program design and debugging.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that utilizes an emulator program to estimate machine behaviors in a three-dimensional virtual space, allowing for simultaneous display of control program commands and their execution results on the same screen, with features like different display modes for executed commands and conditional verification and stopping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation data is generated using conventional methods, then machine behavior can be estimated, but the estimation accuracy is insufficient for reliable control program verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical machine by generating a three-dimensional model that replicates the machine's structure and behavior characteristics. This virtual model allows accurate simulation of machine operations without requiring the actual physical machine, thereby improving estimation accuracy while avoiding the complexity of handling physical hardware for every verification scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional two-dimensional simulation methods with a three-dimensional virtual space representation. This substitution enables more realistic and accurate behavior estimation by capturing spatial relationships and movements in three dimensions, significantly improving measurement precision for behavior estimation
2Productivity
If conventional simulation methods are used, then control programs can be verified, but the verification process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by executing control programs in the three-dimensional virtual space before deploying them to actual machines. This advance testing in a realistic virtual environment identifies potential issues early in the development process, reducing the time needed for subsequent physical debugging and improving overall verification efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
By using a three-dimensional virtual copy of the machine, the system enables rapid iteration and testing of control programs without the time constraints of physical machine availability. Multiple test scenarios can be executed quickly in the virtual environment, significantly reducing the total verification time
3Reliability
If actual machines are used for verification, then accurate behavior observation is possible, but the process requires physical machine availability and cannot be performed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a faithful three-dimensional virtual replica of the physical machine that preserves the reliability of actual machine verification while adding the flexibility of virtual operation. This copy can be accessed and modified without constraints, allowing continuous verification activities regardless of physical machine availability or operational status
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual machine model provides dynamic adaptability, allowing verification conditions to be changed, paused, or restarted at any time without the constraints of physical machine scheduling. This enables flexible verification planning and execution while maintaining the reliability needed for accurate behavior observation
Data Source
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AI summary
Accurate estimation of a behavior of a target and presentation of a control program of the target are performed. An information processing apparatus includes: a storage (3, 4, 5) configured to store control programs of a plurality of targets, which control a behavior of the targets (300, 400); a display controller (15); an execution unit (31) configured to execute an emulator program configured to estimate a behavior of each of the targets; and a drawing data generation unit (19) configured to generate drawing data for drawing the behaviors of the targets estimated through execution of the emulator program of the targets in a three-dimensional virtual space, wherein the display controller controls the display so that display of a plurality of commands of at least one of the control programs of the plurality of targets and drawing representing the behaviors of the targets according to the drawing data are performed on the same screen.