Open controller enabled by an advanced real-time network
The project “Open Controller Enabled by an Advanced real-time Network” (OCEAN) is realising a real-time capable platform for distributed control applications. This platform will enable a dynamic integration of control components that are based on an open specification. Through this a flexible and application specific configuration of control systems will be possible. The basic idea is to continue the approach of the OSACA project (Open System Architecture for Controls within Automation Systems) by adopting its benefits and realising a fundamental improvement on the basis of newly available technologies. This strategy promises a broad industrial acceptance of open control technologies.
The point is that the main objective of these demonstrators is to show the interchangeability of software components. Now in some cases it is mandatory to demonstrate that on a real machine tool. For instance, when we want to show how we can adapt a NC to machine tools with different kinematic structure by changing the kinematics module, we must demonstrate that on real machine tools.
But if we want to show the interchangeability of, for instance, HMI component (so the User Interface), or the PLC component, a machine tool is not needed, and a simulated machine tool is easier to be set up, demonstrated and moved around.
Dear Dr Meo,
Many thanks for your reply.
It is now clear to me why you are planning to have a simulated machine tool as one of your demonstrators.
I wish you well with the OCEAN project and look forward to learning more about it in the future.
Thank you also for your excellent contributions to IPROMS 2005!
Best regards.
Duc Pham.
Thank you, Dr Meo, for your very interesting contribution. The field of industrial control and automation is fiercely competitive and replete with incompatible systems and devices. The OCEAN philosophy of promoting open control technologies is timely and admirable. I have a small query regarding one of your proposed demonstrators: why are you planning to develop a demonstrator based on a simulated machine tool?