Integrating machine design and control

An Integrated Machine Design and Control (IMDC) environment is described that can improve the visual representation of machines and integrate the design of each physical machine element with the design of its associated control logic. The approach overcomes many of the problems traditionally associated with the implementation of computer controlled machines, which is a process often characterized by poor verification of customer requirements, limited confidence in proposed designs, minimal software re-use and difficult system maintenance or enhancement. IMDC is a new approach to machine lifecycle support that embodies a highly integrated environment for system builders. The approach provides much needed support for rapid prototyping, ‘what-if’ analyses and enables machines to be incrementally enhanced. IMDC allows the integration of design and control system elements from a wide range of vendors. From a user's perspective, the two main elements of the IMDC environment are: (1) an extendible software toolset and (2) a run-time control architecture. Underlying these elements is the IMDC integration platform that provides data storage, integrates and manages the user toolset and connects these off-line system components to the run-time control architecture. The interactive use of IMDC tools is explained in the context of achieving rapid prototype machine build. Industrial applications of the IMDC approach are described.