Programmable controller for mechanical systems
US5644486A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/36395
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling a mechanical system in response to messages from a host computer system. The apparatus includes a conventional communications link for communicating messages from the host computer system to a motion control processor and interface and driver circuits for converting digital signals generated by the motion control processor in response to messages from the host computer system into control signals having appropriate waveforms and timing for controlling a particular mechanical system. The motion control processor is programmed to perform a number of tasks in accordance with a schedule downloaded from the host computer system. The host computer system downloads profiles which consist of series of segments consisting of data structures which define elements in the mechanical system to be controlled, identify functions to be performed and include necessary data. Tasks performed by the motion control processor include a communications interface task for handling messages from the host data system, a profile handler task for executing profiles, a motion control task for controlling motors in the mechanical system, and a read sensors task for reading sensor in …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.