Integrating machine design and control

An Integrated Machine Design and Control (IMDC) environment is described th at can improve the visual representation of machines and integrate the desi gn of each physical machine element with the design of its associated contr ol logic. The approach overcomes many of the problems traditionally associa ted with the implementation of computer controlled machines, which is a pro cess often characterized by poor verification of customer requirements, lim ited confidence in proposed designs, minimal software re-use and difficult system maintenance or enhancement. IMDC is a new approach to machine lifecy cle support that embodies a highly integrated environment for system builde rs. 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 envi ronment are: (1) an extendible software toolset and (2) a run-time control architecture. Underlying these elements is the IMDC integration platform th at provides data storage, integrates and manages the user toolset and conne cts 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.