Component-based architecture for numerical controls
Focusing on the area of numerical controls for the machine tool industry, the OCEAN project developed a modular, component-based open control architecture. This will allow easy re-configuration of production systems and the re-use of software components resulting in higher efficiencies. The modularity aspect also offers increased advantages of easy adaptation to each production system leading to faster production times with minimum effort and allocated cost, without compromising the quality of end-products. The extended numerical control reference architecture for machine tools included kernel and extension components. All kernel components are mandatory for the operation of the numerical control, while extension components are important for the control system functionality. Base components involved the motion control kernel itself, the human machine interface server, the programmable logic code (PLC) and kinematics components. The extension components include process control, safety, filter and hardware access components. Unlike previous control systems where monolithic software blocks limited their flexibility and granularity, OCEAN's reference architecture was extended. As a result, the monolithic blocks were decomposed into components with clearly defined interfaces, described in standardised Interface Definition Language (IDL) format (e.g. for RT CORBA). Aided by the standardised interface description, without any need for interface adaptation, additional functionality and third party software can also be integrated. All specifications of component or other interfaces are distributed without any constraints that would hinder their free and uninhibited distribution. For further information click at: http://www.fidia.it/english/research_ocean_fr.htm(opens in new window)
