Virtual Robot Signal for Synchronous Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for synchronous control of multiple robots face challenges when the number of robots to be controlled differs from the number of robots actually connected to the control device, leading to potential control errors and increased user workload.
Innovation Solution
A control device that performs synchronous control of robots by generating an output signal for a virtual robot, allowing the system to continue operation without modification of the program, even if one or more robots are excluded from the control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the program for synchronous control remains unchanged after a robot is excluded, then the control system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the program cannot be executed appropriately causing control errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual robot as a copy representation of the excluded physical robot. This virtual robot allows the control program to continue executing without modification while maintaining the synchronous control structure. The virtual robot inherits the operational characteristics and control parameters of the original robot, enabling the program to run as if the physical robot were still present.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual robot serves as an intermediary between the control program and the excluded physical robot. It mediates the control signals by receiving commands intended for the excluded robot and converting them into appropriate outputs, thereby maintaining program execution without direct connection to the physical robot.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of robots to be controlled with the program differs from the number of robots actually connected, then the control system is more adaptable to different scenarios, but control errors occur due to mismatch between program expectations and actual connections
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual robot provides a universal interface that works regardless of whether the corresponding physical robot is connected. The same control program can control different numbers of physical robots by substituting virtual robots for excluded ones, making the system universally applicable to various operational scenarios without requiring program modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating virtual copies of excluded robots, the system maintains the expected number of control targets in the program. This copying approach allows the control software to operate with a consistent view of the system configuration, while the actual number of physical robots can vary dynamically.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated control devices are used to control different robots, then each robot can be controlled independently and reliably, but the system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single control device by introducing virtual robots. Instead of requiring separate dedicated controllers for each physical robot, one control device can manage multiple physical robots and their virtual counterparts, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining independent control capabilities through the virtual representations.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a processor that calculates one or more predetermined command values for one or more robots to undergo synchronous control in predetermined control cycles, an output unit that outputs the one or more predetermined command values in each of the predetermined control cycles, and a generator that generates an output signal for a virtual robot. The virtual robot is virtually defined in relation to the synchronous control. The processor calculates the one or more predetermined command values using the output signal for the virtual robot generated by the generator.