MXPA99004742A - Method for controlling devices, a device controller and a conveying system - Google Patents
Method for controlling devices, a device controller and a conveying systemInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA99004742A MXPA99004742A MXPA/A/1999/004742A MX9904742A MXPA99004742A MX PA99004742 A MXPA99004742 A MX PA99004742A MX 9904742 A MX9904742 A MX 9904742A MX PA99004742 A MXPA99004742 A MX PA99004742A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- section
- controller
- criteria
- present
- transportation
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 88
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 claims description 57
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 57
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 49
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 49
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000008672 reprogramming Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007175 bidirectional communication Effects 0.000 abstract description 24
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 26
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001934 delay Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000010349 pulsation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000009118 appropriate response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007274 generation of a signal involved in cell-cell signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009377 nuclear transmutation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003252 repetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Abstract
Featured is a device controller (10) in a system having a multiplicity of such controllers and conveying system and method for controlling a multiplicity of devices (2, 4) using such controllers. Each controller includes a plurality of bi-directional communication ports (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b), a processor (12) that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device, and an application program for execution within the processor (12) that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Specifically, the applications program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between and among controllers;instructions and criteria for processing information received by a controller;and instructions and criteria for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the communicated information. For a conveying system having a multiplicity of conveying sections, a controller is provided for each section.
Description
METHOD TO CONTROL DEVICES, A DEVICE CONTROLLER AND A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to device drivers and methods of operation therefor, and more particularly, to transportation systems employing such controllers locally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The existing control and control methodology, particularly those for transportation systems, employ some form of centralized control over multiple device controllers. For example, two device controllers are connected with hard cables to a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a plurality of programmable logic controllers PLCs, each being connected with hard cables to device controllers, are connected by hard cables to another central PLC . To effect a change in the operation of the device in response to changing conditions for another device, the programmable logic controller identifies the conditions of change and sends a signal to the other controller. Such systems are difficult to modify in the field or part of the user (that is, they are not patronizing with the user).
System modifications typically involve reconfiguring or replacing each control component (i.e., controller and programmable logic controller) in the system. As such, these types of systems are costly and time consuming and have little flexibility for field modification. Transportation systems have traditionally been designed by custom with centralized controls and complex custom software to track items or objects moving in the system. Modifications to such systems produce adjustments to the centralized controls, revision of the custom software and the debugging required following those changes to ensure the proper operation system. In addition, since the software and controls for each system are adapted for each system, it is difficult to combine the logic of control with the mechanics of the transportation systems. Therefore, there is a need for controllers that communicate with each other on a local area basis to control the operation of systems or devices connected to the controllers and necessary for controllers that decentralize this control function. In addition, there is a need for controllers that do not require wiring interconnections but use protocol and communication equipment as means for communication between controllers. When there is no need for a transportation system that has increased flexibility and controls the flow of objects or items through the system, centralized and customized software was found. In addition, there is a need for a transportation system that is modularized in design and operation so that customized engineering is not required.
COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a controller that, through communication with other controllers, controls the system or devices using the controllers. It is another object of the present invention to provide a controller that decentralizes the control process. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transportation system using said controller that controls individual sections of the transportation system. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a transportation system controller that adjusts the operation of a transportation section in response to communications from other controllers representative of operation or local system problem. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a transportation system controller, a universal controller, which is reconfigurable by the user for activate any of the transportation sections that make up the transportation system. Still another object of the present invention is that the controller be reprogrammed by the user locally or from a central site using the control communications network. The present invention illustrates a device driver that is used in a system of said controllers as well as a method for controlling the operation of a device using said device driver. The device driver includes at least, preferably at least, two ports of bidirectional input and output communications, a processor and application program to be executed with the processor. The processor processes the information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device. The application program includes instructions and criteria to process the information and provide the output of the processor. Specifically, the application program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between controllers; instructions and criteria for processing the information received by a controller; and instructions and criteria to modify the operation of a device that responds to the information communicated. The device driver further includes a write / read memory for storing data and parameters that control the operation of the application program. The application program also includes instructions and criteria for controlling the data stored in the read / write memory, as well as instructions and criteria for the real-time tracking of data related to the operation of the system.
To communicate the information between the controllers of the system, a communications link is established between each pair of controllers. This link is established by electrically interconnecting a bidirectional output port of one controller to a bidirectional input port of another controller. The controller of the present invention can be programmed or reprogrammed through the RS232 l / O port or through the communications network established by the electrically interconnected controllers. To carry out the programming / reprogramming of a controller through the communications links, of the application program that also includes instructions and criteria for reprogramming the processor / controller that responds to instructions and information communicated through a bidirectional input port. Also illustrated is a transportation system having a multiplicity of transportation sections, wherein each section is provided with a local controller. The local controller for each transportation section, the corresponding transportation section includes at least, preferably less two bidirectional input and output communications ports, a processor and an application program for execution with the processor. The processor processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the corresponding transportation section. The application program includes instructions and criteria to process the information and provide the outputs of the processor. Specifically, the application program includes: instructions and criteria for communicating information between each of the controllers of the multiplicity of transportation sections; instructions and criteria to process the information received by the controller for the corresponding transportation section; instructions and criteria to control the normal operation of the corresponding transportation section, and instructions and criteria to modify the operation of the corresponding transportation section that responds to the information communicated from the controller of another transportation section. Each conveyor section controller further includes a read / write memory for storing data and parameters that control the operation of the application program. The application program also includes instructions and criteria to control the storage of data in the read / write memory. A transportation system according to the present invention uses a multiplicity of different types of section to transport articles in a controlled manner. For example, the transportation system of the present invention may include straight sections, accumulation sections, spacer sections, index sections, diverter sections, and insertion sections. As such, the application program is in each transportation section controller, preferably it includes the instructions and criteria for the operation of any of these different section types. The application program introduces the control routines of the specificity of the operation of a given type of transport section (for example, an index section) evaluating the data and configuring the parameters stored in the read / write memory. For example, the type of sections is a parameter that is stored in a data table set in the read / write memory. During operation, the data related to items in the corresponding transportation section are stored in the read / write memory. The application program also includes instructions and criteria for the real-time tracking of articles on each transportation section. In this way, a host computer located far away, using the communications network established between the controllers, any controller can be consulted for said real-time information. In addition, when the articles are transferred from an upstream transport section to a downstream section, the data stored in the read / write memory of the upstream controller is communicated to the downstream controller. In specific embodiments, the transportation system also includes a multiplicity of tracking devices to sense the presence of an item. These tracking devices are arranged at the end or at the beginning of a given section and the controller of the section is appropriately configured for the position of this tracking device. The tracking devices are arranged in several places through the transportation system required for the proper operation of a transportation section and the system. For example, a tracking device could be located between the end of a separation section and the next section in the transportation system. For the first section of the transportation system, a mechanism or device is provided near the beginning of the first section to provide a positive indication of each item entering the transportation system. This mechanism or device can be a tracking device, a photoelectric cell or another device known to those skilled in the art to be used in the detection in the presence of an article. The controller of the first section is responsible for the mechanism / device signals assigned to an identifier for the article and causes the identifier to be stored in the read / write memory. A tracking device is also located between the first and second sections, and is used to determine the size of the articles that pass through the first section as well as the presence of the article at the end of the first section. The first and second sections, the controller operates them together with its tracking device, so that the determined length for each article is stored, along with the associated identifier in the read / write memory. Alternatively, the length is determined through the tracking device disposed at the beginning of the first section and the controller of the first section causes both the identifier and the determined length to be stored in the read / write memory. Similar to the device driver described above, a communication link is established between each pair of controllers of the transportation system by electrically interconnecting a bidirectional output port of a transportation section controller to a bidirectional input port of another transportation section controller. . In addition, the controllers of the transportation system can be programmed or reprogrammed through the RS232 l / O port or through the communication network established by the electrically interconnected controllers and the instructions and criteria included in the application program.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the desired nature and objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which similar reference characters denote corresponding parts through the various views. , and wherein: "Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a controller according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative communications network for the controllers of the present invention; 3 is a plan view of an illustrative transportation system using the controller of the present invention; Figure 4 is a data table illustrative of the information regarding transit items that is stored in each transportation system controller; Figures 5A-I are a flow diagram of the control logic for a universal u controller. na transportation section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE Referring now to the various figures, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, a schematic block diagram of a controller 10 of the present invention controlling an external device is shown in Figure 1. and which can receive input from an external device 4, such as a tracking signal generating device 122 (FIG 3) described below. The controller 10 of the present invention, as described below, is patronizing to the user and easily modified by factory personnel or users in the field. Instead of a central processor following highly complicated instructions, as was done in the prior art systems, each controller 10 provides local area control over the devices and the system. Preferably, each controller 10 of a transportation system is pre-programmed with the control routines for all modules or sections of the individual transportation system, so that the controller 10 is a universal controller. During operation, the configuration parameters are programmed and stored in the processor 12 in order to enable the specific control routines required to operate a transportation section as a particular section type (e.g., the indexing section). In addition, to control the operation of each section, the controller 10 tracks the position of the boxes, objects or articles on each section of the transportation system and can direct the final destination of boxes, specific items, etc. That is, at any time in which each controller 10 in the transportation system is being operated so that the identity of each box / article on each section can be retrieved by the controller. The controller 10 includes a processor 12, status lights 16, a battery 18 and a port 20 RS232 l / O. Also included are at least one and preferably two input and directional communications ports 14a, b and at least one and preferably two output bidirectional communications ports 15a, b. The bidirectional communications ports 14a, b; 15a, b are preferably RS485 connectors with two modular RJ31X connections. The individual controllers 10 are interconnected with each other for bidirectional communications between them via a telephone cable of eight twisted cables 30 (FIG 2). The controller 10 is activated in any number of ways. In one embodiment, electrical power is supplied to the controller through the twisted cable 30 (FIG.2) by interconnecting the communications ports 14a, b; 15a, b of each controller. In this way, each of the controllers 10 is activated from a central source. The central power supply provides energy in the range from about 20 Vac to about 52 Vac and preferably around 24 Vac or 48 Vac. Alternatively each controller 10 or group of controllers are connected to a power supply at the above voltage scales. The battery 18 is a 3 V lithium wedge cell or any type of long battery life known in the art. The battery 18 supplies backup power to the read / write memory 22 comprising the controller 10 in the event of a power failure, so that the data is retained until the energy is restored. For a transportation system application, retained information includes item tracking information and configuration parameter for each section. Also included is information regarding the articles or boxes about the section and any sorting or direction instruction for these items / box. Alternatively, or in addition to the battery 18, the controller may use non-volatile memory types that retain information where a power failure occurs. The status lights 16 are a plurality of LED indicators that are intended to assist the user with problems of the controller 10 that require immediate solution. The status lights also provide a visual indication of the controller's operation status and the delays and TRIACS outputs of the controller. The lights can illuminate slowly, light up quickly or they can be illuminated in a stable way. For example, status lights representative of a controller's operating capability may turn on continuously when the controller 10 is closed, while they may illuminate at a certain speed during normal operation. The RS232 I / O port 20 provides a bidirectional communications infer between the processor 12 including EEPROM 24 and NVRAM 22, and an external device such as a programming terminal or a computer such as a personal computer. The input / output port 20 is a means to enter the parameters required to configure or reconfigure a given controller. As described below, the controller (s) can also be configured / reconfigured through a centrally located computer that communicates with each controller using the communications network of the controller 100 (FIG 2). The processor 12 preferably includes a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 22, an EEPROM 24 and a central processing unit 26. The program of software applications or routines, hereinafter described in relation to FIGS. 5A-I , they are preferably stored in EEPROM 24 which is easily removed in the field for replacement. The preferred configuration parameters are stored in the non-volatile random access memory 22 so that they are easily changed in the field, particularly by the user. To update the application program for any of the transportation sections of a transportation system in accordance with the present invention, an EEPROM is programmed at the factory and sent to the installation field. Due to the modularity of the sections of the transportation system and the interactive communications between controllers during the operation of the system, no further elimination is required before the complete operation of the system for the present invention. This saves time and money compared to known systems that are customized for a given application, which limits the ability to approve or validate the application program before installation by the factory. The non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 22 stores and any of the parameters required for the operation and / or configuration of each controller 10. For example, in a transportation system application, the data regarding the boxes or items in a section and any of the tracking and address related data for each of these boxes or items is stored in the NVRAM. In addition, the configuration parameters required to allow control of routines for a given section type of a transportation system are also stored there. The central processing unit 26 is preferably a PIC17C43 by MicroChip Corp., and alternatively it can be PIC17C44 by MicroChip. The software routines stored in the EEPROM memory 24 are loaded into the central processing unit 26 and the specific routines are enabled through the configuration parameters retrieved from the NVRAM memory 22. The central processing unit 26 executes the program and routine in it in order to control the device 2. For example, in a transportation system, the central processing unit 26 of output to signals to control a given transportation system section and thereby control the flow of boxes or articles (ie, the product) through the section and in the system. Also, the central processing unit 26 could direct the information that will be retrievably stored in the NVRAM memory 22 with respect to an article or box in the section. As noted above, the controllers 10 of the present invention are interconnected with each other for communications by appropriately interconnecting the communications and directional input and output ports 14a, b; 15a, b of at least two controllers. Shown in Figure 2 is a block diagram of an illustrative communication network 100 for a plurality of controllers 10a-g. The controllers 10a-g are preferably connected to each other using a "daisy chain" topology. Starting from the most upstream point, the first controller 10a, a connection cable 30 is interconnected to the bi-directional output communications port 15a of the first controller 10a and to an input bidirectional communications port 14a of the second controller 10b. In this way, a bidirectional communication link is established between the first and second controllers 10a, b for the communication of data and information between them. In a similar manner, a communication link is established between the sixth and seventh controllers 10f, g. In some situations, the information and data flow is divided between two downstream paths as shown for the second, third and fourth controllers 10b-d. For example, when the items or boxes are inverted from one line to another of two lines in a transportation system. Again starting with the upstream controller, the second controller 10b, two connection cables 30 are connected to the bi-directional output communications ports 15a, b of the second controller 10b. The other end of a connection cable 30 is connected to a bi-directional input port 14a of the third second controller 10c and the other connection cable is connected to a bi-directional input port 14a of the fourth controller 10d. In this way, a bidirectional communication link is established between the second and third controller 10b, c and the second and fourth controller 10b, d for the communication of data and information between them. In some situations, the information and data flow of the two upstream paths is combined in a downstream path as shown for the fourth, fifth and sixth controllers 10d-f. For example, when the articles or boxes of two lines of a transportation system are being inserted in a line. Again starting with the upstream side, a connection cable 30 is connected to an output bi-directional communications port 15a of the fourth controller 10b and connected to a bi-directional input communications port 14a of the sixth controller 10f. Similarly, a change of connection 30 is connected to a bi-directional communications port of output 15a of the fifth controller 10e and connected to the other bi-directional communications port of input 14b of the sixth controller 10f. In this way, a bidirectional communication link is established respectively between the fourth and sixth controllers 10d, f and the fifth and sixth controllers 10e, f for the communication of data and information between them.
In addition, for forward and backward communications between controllers that are directly connected (for example, the first and second controllers 10a, b), the communication network 100 allows such communication through the entire network 100. For example, the seventh controller 10f can communicate with the first controller 10a through the communication links established respectively between the first and second 10a, b, the second and fourth controllers 10b, d, the fourth and sixth controllers 10d, f and the sixth and seventh controllers 10f, g. In this way, the communication links not only establish local communication links between the individual controllers, but also allow to establish communication links between any controller in the network. Means are also shown for interconnecting an external device, such as a scanner 6 and / or a host or host computer 8, to the controller communication network 100. The host computer 8 is interconnected to a buffer device 9. The use of a buffering device 9 relative to the host computer 8 allows forward and backward communication between the controllers 10a-g as well as forward and backward communications between the host computer and any or all of the 10a-g controllers of the network of communications 100. For example, the host computer 8 using the established communication links, can reprogram one or any number of controllers from a central location, even while "in flight" (for example, while a transportation system it is in operation). Now referring to FIG. 3, a plan view of a portion of an illustrative transportation system 101 is shown, including a multiplicity of modular transportation section. Each of these modular sections, described below, includes a controller 10 that controls the functions of a given transportation section including the designated task or tasks that will be performed to transport an item, package or box through the system. The controller 10 of each modular transportation section is also given a unique identification number or address so that each section is uniquely identifiable. The illustrated transportation system 101 includes a first section 102, a multiplicity of straight sections 104, a multiplicity of accumulation sections 106, a multiplicity of index sections 108, an inclination / descent section 110, a diverter section 112, a section of insertion 114, a separation section 116 and a corner section 118. A tracking signal generating device 122 is disposed on the front of these selected sections, however, said devices may be disposed at the end of said selected sections . In addition, an interconnecting / twisted cable 30 interconnects each controller 10 thus establishing a bidirectional communications network for the transportation system 101.
The transportation system 101 also includes a multiplicity of tracking signal generation device 122, each including a roller mechanism projecting above the nominal surface of the transportation sections, and which is compressed by the passage of a package, box or item on it. The tracking device 122 also includes a sensor that senses the downward movement of the roller mechanism and produces a signal therefor, indicating the presence of an article / box. The tracking device 122 further includes a perception mechanism for determining the length of the article or box passing over the roller mechanism. For example, the perception mechanism detects the fractional and total rotations of the roller mechanism, while it is compressed and equals this length. Said device is also described in copending patent application no. series 08/529, 991, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. The tracking device 122 located in front of the first section 102, determines the length of each package, article or box entering the transportation system 101, as well as indicates the tracking process. Other devices may be arranged in or along the first section, or elsewhere through the system, to acquire data or information with respect to the article. Also, a section can be configured following a device to act in response to the signals from the device. For example, a sensing device (s) may be provided before a diverting section 112 to determine the relative weight or weight of the article and / or the total height, length and width of the articles. The diverting section 112 can be configured to act in a prescribed manner that responds to the signals of this perception device. Also, for example, a scanning device, such as a bar code scanner 124, may be placed to detect and read bar code labels affixed to the article being transported. This information can be used by the host computer 8 to determine the address of a package or article through the transportation system 101. The first section 102, each straight section 104, each accumulation section 106, each indexing section 108 and each separation section 116 includes a plurality of elongated pneumatic lifting assemblies or elevators that are interspersed with one or more parallel bands of continuous movement over which the articles are transported. When there is a multiplicity of sections in series, the bands can be constructed so that each band extends along the entire length of the interconnected sections. For example, the moving bands extend between the first section 102 and the corner unit 118. The pneumatic lifting assemblies are used to lift the free product or article from the continuous moving bands. This stops the flow of the product or items that pass through a given module or section. The detention of the product or article is also referred to herein as the detention of the section. The specific form in which the pneumatic lift function (ie, raise, lower, stay down) depends on the function of a particular section that is intended to perform (eg, accumulation, indexing). The specific form in which each of these sections 102-108, 116 operates is discussed below in relation to Figures 5A-I. Reference should be made to the patent of E.U.A. No. 4, 511, 030, the teachings of which is incorporated herein by reference, for additional details with respect to said section or transportation module. Each of sections 102-108, 116 also includes a pneumatic system of high and low pressure supply lines, a control valve, air manifold, air bag and a lift cup assembly. The controller 10 for each of these sections 102-108, 116 controls the pneumatic for a given section and thus controls the lifting assemblies. In this way, the pneumatic elevators for each section are raised and lowered by the controller of the section as required to perform the function of the sections. The diverter section 112 is configured so that the boxes or products can be selectively transferred or re-directed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the strip line on which the box or product is initially traveling. That is, one box can continue in a straight form while another box can be diverted to another line of the transportation system 101. The corner section 118 is designed so that the box or product is always rotated 90 ° with respect to the trajectory line The insert section 114 is designed to allow the product or article flowing from two separate lines to be selectively inserted together to flow in an individual outlet line. The specific form in which each of these sections 112, 114, 118 operates, discussed below in relation to Figures 5A-I. The diverting section 112, the insertion section 114 and the corner section 118 each include an arrangement of wheels or rollers mounted on a frame. The wheels or rollers are arranged so that the web (s) continuously moving freely passes through the arrangement. The wheels or rollers of the diverter section 112 and the insertion section 114 are normally disposed below the web surfaces and are pneumatically raised when it is required to change the direction of the moving product or article. The rollers for the corner section 118 are arranged so that they always have a contact surface slightly higher than the bands. The orientation and shape of the wheels are adjusted to match the function that will be formed. For example, for an insertion unit, the rollers are oriented through the strip line. Reference should also be made to the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,696,386, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. A tilt / descent line 110 is provided to deal with situations where it is necessary to have the product or article traveling up or down a gradient or slope, since the band lines of a portion of the system are at different elevations. For example, to provide a local corridor under a transportation system, the surface of the band line must be raised or raised locally. An inclination / descent section that transports articles or products above a stepped gradient, is described in copending application series no. 08 / 450,006, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. The transportation system is arranged so that the indexing sections 108 precede the tilt / lower section 110, the diverter section 112 and the insertion section 114. Using an indexing section 108 with the diverter and insertion sections 112 114, it is ensured that the articles or products are separated from each other and that each article or product arrives at the same time to the rollers after being released from an indexing section. The indexing section 108 also avoids the need to provide a separate device, such as a photoelectric cell, to drive the diverting or insertion section 112, 114. Rather, controller 10 for the diverting or insertion section 112, 114 can be considered so that the section acts based on the expected arrival time of the product on the rollers. The entire operation of the transportation system 101, its transportation sections and controls thereon through the individual controllers 10 is best understood from the following discussion. For discussion purposes, the transportation system must be assumed to be the baggage transportation system for an airline. However, it must be understood that the transportation system is not limited to any illustrated or fair system for airline baggage handling. As boxes or luggage are received by the first section 102, a barcode scanner 124 scans each piece of luggage to identify the bar code and thus the information encoded therein. For example, bar code labels could contain information such as the flight number of the departure flight. The information from the barcode scanner 124 is provided to the host computer 8, which determines the address through the system for each suitcase received, when the presence of a key on a tracking device 122 is detected, the controller for the first section 102 provides a unique identifier (e.g., an identification number) to the suitcase and determines from the tracking device, the total length of the suitcase. The data table 200 (Figure 4) for the first section 102 is updated to include the identification number, the length of the luggage, as well as the address information for the suitcase from the host computer 8. Each piece of luggage passes through of each of the following sections of the transportation system 101, including the corner section 118 until they reach the diverter section 112. As the luggage moves from section to section the data tables of the respective sections are updated. For the reception section, the data table is updated to include the information for each suitcase that enters the section. Correspondingly, the data table 200 for the output section is updated to eliminate the information of each suitcase that leaves. If the baggage flow through the preceding section of the corner unit 118 is stopped, then the baggage will begin to accumulate in the accumulator section (s) 106 preceding the corner unit. If the baggage is being directed based on the address information, a message is sent to the host computer 8 of how and when a suitcase passes through one of the addresses identified in Data Table 200. Also, when a suitcase passes through an identified address, this address is removed from the list of addresses included in the data table. When the piece of luggage arrives at the diverter section 112, its controller 10 determines whether it allows the luggage to continue on or be diverted to a different trajectory. This determination is made based on the included address information together with the data table and / or additional pre-established criteria programmed into the controller. For example, if the trajectory of a suitcase is to be directed, completely, the diverting section could not transfer but could retain the suitcase on its rollers. As indicated above, the preceding indexing section 108 controls the flow of equipment to the diverter section 112. If the baggage continues (ie, it is not diverted), the baggage goes through the following sections until it reaches the section. of insertion 114. As described above, the data table for each of these sections is updated as baggage passes successively through each section. Depending on the insertion criteria (for example, the one that first arrives first is served) that are being used, the appropriate preceding indexing section 108 is operated to keep the baggage on one line, so that the baggage of the other line passes. to the insertion section 114 and to the next section. If the luggage comes from the line perpendicular to the path of travel through the insertion section 114, then the rollers of the insertion section are also raised, so that the luggage is diverted onto the new path of travel. After passing through the insertion section 114, the baggage continues until it reaches the indexing section 108 preceding the tilt / descent section 110. For purposes of this discussion, the tilt / lower section 110 has reed tabs. Item coupling fixed to the travel band. As such, the luggage pieces are deferred by the indexing section 108, so that each piece of luggage will end between two groups of tabs in the inclined portion of the tilt / lower section 108. The luggage continues to travel until it reaches the luggage compartment. collection point, for example, the arrival luggage carousel inside the terminal. As indicated above, the data is stored in the NVRAM memory 22 of each controller with respect to each box / article (i.e., product) that is in a given section of a transportation system 101. An illustrative data table 200 for This information is shown in Figure 4. As illustrated, the data table 200 contains an indication 202 of the identification number assigned to the particular box or article in the section. Furthermore, there is contained a position indication 204, a length indication 206 and address labels 208 or section addresses for each article in the data table 200. Since three address labels or section addresses are illustrated, this does not it is a limitation of the number of address labels. Also as indicated above, the information or data in the data table 200 for each controller 10 of the transportation system 101 is updated as soon as the articles leave and enter a section.
Preferably, the controller 10 for each section includes the control routines for any type of section of the transportation system. This simplifies installation and maintenance, as well as reduces costs and expenses. For example, there is no need to maintain driver / EEPROMS stores for section type. A flow chart illustrating the operations and basic steps followed by the communication and control routines of a controller 10 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 5A-I. Reference should also be made to Figures 1.4 for the specific components of the controller 10, the transportation system 101 and / or the communication network 100 referred to below. As provided herein, the specific control routine, which controls the function or operation of a section, is established by the configuration parameters programmed in each controller 10. Furthermore, these configuration parameters are under the control of the user and as such are easily changed in the field. The controller 10 for each transportation section is initially programmed with the required configuration parameters, so that the corresponding transportation section functions as intended. As indicated above, these parameters are preferably stored in the NVRAM memory 22 so that they are not lost if a power failure occurs. The configuration parameter indicates the type of functional section (that is, the separation section, indexing), as well as other operational parameters, for example, the size of the buffer zone used to control the operation of a section or module. transportation. Each controller 10 is initially configured or reconfigured in one of two ways. The host computer 8 using the communication network established between each controller of the transportation system, establishes a communication link with each controller. Using this link, the computer programs the appropriate configuration parameters. Alternatively, a terminal or computer is connected to the RS232 port 20 of each controller 10 and each "controller is programmed with the initial configuration parameters." After each controller 10 is initially configured, the transportation system is driven and the product transported. , items, boxes, through each section of the transportation system, is started, step 1000. Then, each controller 10 in a transportation system 101 performs a number of functions in parallel, In particular, each controller 10 evaluates all messages which receives and implements the application program-specific control routine (s) so that the corresponding transport sections operate as intended (eg, functions such as in an indexing section). the present performs its communication protocol routines independently of its control routines and specifics of function.
It should be recognized that while the following may show or describe steps or operations in series or in parallel, it is within the scope of the present invention the steps to be performed in different sequences to those illustrated and described herein. For purposes of the following discussion, the terms of this section, previous / previous sections and following sections were used to distinguish different transportation sections of a portion of the transportation system 101. This section is any of the sections comprising the system of transportation 101, however, in the following the term is generally used to identify the sections of a transportation system that perform the specific control routine described. The previous / previous sections are used to identify sections independently preceding this section. The following sections identify the sections immediately following this section. When the communications or message processing functions are performed, the controller 10 of the present section evaluates all the messages that are received in the bidirectional communications network 100. In addition, the controller 10 of the present section determines whether a message that is being received is for the controller of the present section or for another controller, step 1002. If the message is not for the present controller (NO) then the message is sent to the next or previous controller, and the process returns to the beginning of the communication control routine, step 1002. If a message received is for the controller of the present section (YES, step 1002), then the controller evaluates the message to determine if there is a programming message, step 1004. As noted above, any or all of the controllers 10 of a transportation system 101 it can be accessed by the host computer 8 to initially set or alter the driver configuration parameters. For example, the configuration parameters may have been changed when there is a change in the representation or physical arrangement of the transportation system. If this is the message (YES) then the process proceeds to step 1800, Figure 51. If it is not a programming message (NO, step 1004) then the controller in this section evaluates the received message to see if it is a message / Stop command, step 1006. A stop message or stop command is sent by the controller of the next section to the controller of this section and generally indicates that the next section has stopped. That is, the flow of the product (for example, boxes, items, packages) was stopped in the next section. The stop message in the next section is typically the result of controller detection messages downstream of the next section. If it is a stop message (IF step 1006) then the controller of the present section sets a stop flag, step 1008. The state of the stop flag is evaluated by the function-specific control routines, discussed below, for each type of section. In general, these function-specific control routines determine when, if any, the flow of the product should also be stopped in this section. After setting the stop flag, the process returns to the beginning of the communications protocol, step 1002. If it is not a stop step (Ñ, step 1006), then the controller in this section evaluates the message to see if it is a indexing message, step 1010. An indexing message is sent by the controller of the next section when the next section is not stopped or will no longer be stopped, and in this way can accept the product of this section. If it is an indexing message (SI), then the stop flag of this section is deleted, step 1012, and the process returns to the beginning of the communications protocol, step 1002. If it is not an indexing message (NO step 1010 ), then the controller of this section determines whether the received message is a data query message, step 1014. The host computer 8, using the bidirectional communications network 100 of the controllers, can send a message requesting one, all or any combination of drivers to give a data message. If it is a data query message (SI), then the present section controller 10 sends a message to the host computer 8 using the bidirectional communications network of the controllers, steps 1016, 1022. For example, the host computer 8 can send a query message to all the drivers of the transportation system 101 requesting the location (s) of a specific package. Controller 10 for each section could evaluate the data table to determine if the package (s) is located in its section. If yes, then the controller sends the appropriate response to the host computer 8 through the bidirectional communications network 100. After sending the message, or if no response is required (NO step 1015), the process returns to the beginning of the communication protocol, step 1002. If there are no data query messages (NO, step 1014), then the controller 10 determines whether the received message is an emergency detection message, step 1018. If it is YES, then this section is stopped and an emergency stop message is sent to the next and previous sections, step 1020, 1022. Process then returns to the beginning of the communication protocol step 1002. Each controller 10 includes a normally closed switch 27 that can be operated through an individual to stop the operation of a given section. When this switch is activated (eg, open), the controller of this section 10 stops the present section and outputs an emergency stop message to the other section comprising the transportation system, so that the operation of the system also is stopped. This is done to protect or minimize damage to others, as well as to minimize the damage to the system, system components and / or packets in transit. As indicated above, the controller 10 when the transportation process is started, step 1000 determines from the configuration parameters the section type of the present section. Specifically, the controller determines whether the present section is to be operated as a first section or straight section, step 1030; as an indexing section, step 1032, as a diverting section, step 1034; as an insert section, step 1036; as a separation section, step 1038; or as an accumulation section, step 1040. Then, the present section controller 10 implements the specific control routine (s) applicable to the type of section established by the configuration parameters. The straight, indexing, separation and accumulation sections 102-108, 116 are mechanically the same transportation section module and differ only in the way in which the control routine operates the transportation section module. As such, these section types can be easily changed by one type of section to another (for example, from straight to accumulation) by changing the appropriate configuration parameters programmed to the controller. Also, the diverter and insertion sections 112, 114 can be programmed in order to operate in a different way through the change of the configuration parameters. For example, a diverting or insertion section 112, 114 may be configured so as to pass items straight through the section (eg, without deviation), or that items are always rotated 90 ° toward the path of travel. travel (that is, the second section works like a corner). This capability allows the user to alter the functional disposition of a transportation system 101 without requiring hardware changes to individual sections or altering the physical layout of the transportation system. In this way a transportation system of the present invention can be easily configured to temporarily operate in one form and then return to its normal system functional arrangement by simply reprogramming the configuration parameters to affect the controllers. Referring now to Figure 5B, the control routine of a controller 10 is shown when it is configured in a section of the transportation system 101 that functions as a straight section 104, (SI, step 1030 Figure 5A). A straight section 104 is provided in a transportation system 101 as the items received at one end of the section or module are transported to the other end and in the next section of the system. The section runs continuously, until the section controller determines whether it should be stopped (ie, the flow of items in transit is stopped). In addition, the controller of the straight section 104 also ensures that the information of the items in transit is provided to the next section. A straight section is the first section 102 of the transportation system. During operation, the section controller present 10
(i.e., the controller for a straight or first section 104, 102) determines whether the stop flag has been set, step 1100 (Figure 5B) in response to receiving a voltage message from another controller (Figure 5A, steps 1006) , 1008). If the stop flag is set (YES), the present section controller 10 evaluates the site of the items in transit on the present section to determine if there is an article located in the buffer zone at the end of the present section, step 1002. The buffer zone is typically defined so that at the moment of advancement of the article being stopped does not cause the article to pass over the next section. If an item is located in the buffer zone (SI), the present section controller stops the present section, step 1104. The present section controller also sends a ready message to the next section controller step 106, step 1022 ( Figure 5A). If the present section is not the first section 102, the present section controller also sends a stop message to the previous section, step 1106. The ready message is an indication to the next section that an item is already being transferred to the next section. The stop message provides an indication to the previous section that the present section can not accept any additional item. The controller for the previous section determines this way, and under what circumstances, the previous section must be stopped. If the stop flag is not set (NO, step 1100) or there is no item in the buffer zone when the stop flag is set (NO, step 1102), then the present section controller performs two functions as when It was requested. Specifically, the present section controller controls the entry of items in the present section and controls the passage of items through the present section and into the next section. Preferably, the transportation system 101 is configured with a tracking device 122 at the front end of the present section to provide a positive indication of the arrival of items (eg, boxes, articles) at the front end of the section. When a new article is sensed by the tracking device 122 (for example, the roller mechanism is compressed), the present section controller senses a new box, article or product, step 1110. If the present section is a first section of a transportation system (I), step 1112, then the present section controller assigns a unique identification number or tag to the box, step 1114. Using the tracking device 122, or other means of length measurement known in the art the present section controller 10 also determines the length of the new box, step 1116. As noted above, a transportation system and its controllers can also be configured to direct boxes or items around the system in a predetermined manner. In this way, if a box / item is to be routed around the system (YES, step 1118), the host computer 8 provides the desired address labels to the present section controller, step 1120. The address labels generally identify the address of a section in which some action is going to be taken in relation to the address, for example, when the box reaches the deviator section that corresponds to a specific address or identification number, then the box could be directed to continue along from one of the two lines of departure according to the direction instructions. After obtaining the address information (step 1120), and if the box is not going to be addressed (NO step 1118), the data table 200 for the present section controller is updated, step 1122, to include the information of the new box / article. This includes the identification number 202 the length 206 and, when applicable, the address labels 208. The procedure then returns to the beginning of the control routine for the present section, mainly to determine whether the stop flag is set, step 1100. The data table 200 also includes an identifier 210 or address for the present section.
If the present section is not the first section of the transportation system (NO, step 1112), then the present section controller requests information from the previous section, step 1130. In particular information regarding the length of the next box / article which will arrive followed by the present section controller based on the location of the items / boxes in the section, determines the area available in the present section to receive the next box / item arriving. The present section controller then determines whether there is space in the present section to take the next arriving item / box, step 1132. If there is space (SI) then the next sore box is transferred from the previous section to the present section, step 1134. This is accomplished through the controller of the present and previous sections that transmit indexing and ready messages to each other and allow the box / article to continue moving along with the moving bands. The present section controller also updates its data table 200 with the data / information for the box that will arrive, step 1122. After each box enters the present section, whether it is the first section or a straight section, the controller The present section also initiates an elapsed travel time tracking process, step 1700 (Figure 5H). Using this process, the present section controller keeps track of the time elapsed since the entry of each box / item in the present section. This is used as a means to determine if any box / item does not reach the end of the present section and is thus removed from the present section. In this way, the present section controller can determine if a box / item has been removed from the present section. For further details regarding this time tracking process, reference should be made to the description presented below with respect to Figure 5H. If there is insufficient space in the present section to receive the next box / item to arrive (NO, step 1132), then the present section controller sends a stop message to the previous section and a ready message to the next section, Steps 1136, 1022 (Figure 5A). After determining whether there is insufficient space (NO, step 1132) or after updating the data table (step 1122), the process returns to the beginning of the control routine of the present section, step 1100. As noted above, the present section controller 10 controls the passage of items through the present section and into the next section. While doing this, the present section controller continuously evaluates the location of the boxes / items in transit on the present section, step 1140. The controller also present, if the location of the boxes / items in transit is determined, it causes the information of location in the present section data table 200 to be updated accordingly. The present section controller 10 evaluates the location information to determine whether a box / article in transit is located in the buffer zone, step 1142. This buffer zone determination is preferably performed by comparing the time that has elapsed since the box entered the present section with the time required to traverse the present section. The crossing time is adjusted by the present section controller to represent the transport delays such as when there is a stopping of the present section. If the present section controller determines that the leading edge of the box / item is in the buffer zone (SI), then the controller sends a ready message to the next section to indicate that a box is available for transfer. Steps 1144, 1022 (Figure 5A). The present and following sections communicate with each other following the ready message transmission to determine if there is space in the next section for the box / item to be transferred step 1146. Similar to the determination of available space for the present section described above of the step1132, the next section determines if there is space available in the next section that is sufficient to handle the length of the box / item, step 1146. If there is enough space (SI), then the box is sent to the next section and the information of The data table of the present section is communicated to the following section to be included in the data table of the following section, steps 1148. The present section data table is also updated to delete the information, when the box / article is transferred , step 1122. It should be noted that there may be other section-specific criteria that prevent the next section from taking the box / item from the present section although physically there may be enough space at the front end of the next section (for example the box in the next section of the buffer zone). If there are boxes / items in the transportation system that are addressed through address labels 208 in the data table 200, then the present section controller also evaluates the address labels to determine if the present section is one of the addresses of section identified as being an address label. If so, then the present section controller sends a message back to host computer 8 to indicate that the box / item has passed through a tagged location / address. Also, when the data table in the next section is updated, the address of the present section is not included with the list of address labels or addresses (ie, the present section address is removed from the list). In this way, the number of address labels listed and tracked is reduced as the box / item passes successively through each identified section address. If there is insufficient space in the following section to receive the box / item from the present section (NO, step 1146), then the present section controller stops the present section, step 1150 (ie stops the flow of boxes / article) . Also, the present section controller 10 sends a ready message to the next section, step 1152 and step 1122 (Figure 5A). If the present section is not the first section 102 of a transportation system, then the present section controller also sends a stop message to the previous section. After stopping the present section, the process returns the start of the control routine for the present section, step 1002. Referring to Figure 5C, the control routine of a controller is shown when it is configured so that a section of the transportation system, the present section, functions as an indexing section 108 (SI, step 1032, Figure 5A). There is a transportation section number, such as the incline / descent, diverter and insertion sections 110, 112, 114, wherein the proper operation of that transportation section involves controlling or controlling the entry time of a box / article. in that section. The indexing section operates as a type of stopping and advancing the section, where a box is stopped and then sent to the next section when appropriate. In this way, the downstream section / module operates properly, thus minimizing the potential for damage to the boxes in the transportation system, as well as to the individual sections of the system. During operation, the present section controller 10 determines whether the stop flag has been set, step 1200. If the stop flag is set (YES), then the controller evaluates the location of the items in transit over the present section to determine if there is an article located in the buffer zone at the end of the present section, step 1202. If an article is located in the buffer zone (SI), then the present section controller stops the present section, step 1204. It should be noted that this is done without considering the indexing criteria for the present section. Also, the present section controller sends ready and stop messages respectively to the next and previous sections, step 1206 and 1022 (Figure 5A). After stopping the present section, the process returns to the start of the control routine for the present section, step 1200. If the stop flag is not set (NO, step 1200), or if there is no item in the area of buffer when the stop flag is set (NO, step 1202), then the present section controller performs three functions as and when requested. Specifically, the present section controller controls the entry of articles on the present section, controls the stopping of items in transit at preselected locations of the present section and controls the release of the items stopped on the next section. As provided above, the transportation system 101 is preferably configured with a tracking device 122 at the front end of the present section to provide a positive indication of the arrival of item (eg, boxes, articles) at the front end of the item. the section. In this way, the present section controller 10 verifies the tracking device and / or output signals of the previous section (e.g., a ready-made message) for the purpose of determining the presence of a box / item near the arrival step1210 If a new box / item is ready for transfer (YES), then the present section controller wants information from the previous section 1212. In particular, the information regarding the length of the next box / item will arrive. The present section controller, as described above, determines the available space in the present section and if the available space is sufficient for the next box / item to arrive (step 1214). If there is enough space (SI), then the box / item is transferred from the previous section to the present section, step 1216 and the data table 200 for the present section is updated with the data / information for that box / item, step 1218. The present section controller also initiates a trace time tracking process after step 1700 (Figure 5H) after receiving the box / item discussed below. If there is sufficient space in the present section to receive the next box / item (NO, step 1214), then the present section controller sends stopping and ready messages respectively to the previous sections and next step 1220 and step 1022 (FIG. 5A). After determining whether the available space is sufficient (NO, step 1220) or after updating the data table (1218), the process returns to the beginning of the control routine of the present section, step 1200. As indicated above, The present section controller 10 also determines whether the movement of a box / article along the present section should be stopped for indexing, step 1230. Typically, when a box in the present section is determined as arriving at a fixed location , an indexing location, the box is stopped unless the next section is ready to receive it. The indexing location is a variable that is programmed by the user for a given application. For example, the end of an indexation (that is, the buffer zone) or some other intermediate location can be specified as the indexing location. If the movement of the boxes in the present section should continue (NO, step 1230), then the process returns to the beginning of the control routine for the present section, step 1200. The box in transit can be stopped in an indexing location based on the use of any number of criteria or methods. For example, the present section controller can be configured so that the present section is stopped after a present account of boxes passing through the section. The present section can also be stopped based on the tracking information (e.g., address information) in the data table or based on the switch input (e.g., photocell). If a box / article should be stopped at an indexing location (YES, step 1230), then the controller stops the present section, step 1232. As indicated above, stopping a section involves raising the plurality of sections of assembly of Lift elongated pneumatic so that the boxes in the section are lifted out of contact of the bands in movements. The section present as using the communications link and directional with the previous section, also sends a stop message to the previous section, step 1234. The previous section using the specific control routine for it, determines if and when to stop the previous section . After stopping the present section, the process returns to the start of the control routine for the present section (ie, step 1200). If a box / item has already been stopped at an indexing location, as a result of steps 1230, 1232, then the present section controller determines whether there is time to release the box / item to the next section, step 1240. There is a number of techniques that can be used to determine when a box should be released and which typically depend on the type of section that follows the present section, for example, when the section present precedes a tilt / descent section 110, the package is released from the indexing location so that it reaches the tilt section between two groups of outlets. The present section controller 10 can also be configured to respond to drive signals from manually operated switches. In this way, when a manual switch is activated the box is released to the next section. For example, an indexing location can be conformed to the work station of an individual, in this way, after the work is done, the worker could trigger a switch so that the article can be released so that it can travel towards the next work station and / or next section. The present section controller 10 can also be configured to release an article / box after receiving an actuation signal from a manual switch and a driving signal from another release control mechanism (eg stopwatch). Further, although the individual indexing location per second is described, a controller may be configured such that a section includes a plurality of such indexing locations. In summary, an article maintained in an indexing section can be released manually and / or automatically. The article can be released automatically based on the time and elapsed, account and ready signals of the next section. It should be recognized that the release criteria described herein are illustrative and any criteria or technique consistent with the intent and purpose of the present invention can be used.
If the box or article is to be released in the next section (YES, step 1240), then the present section is started, step 1242. As indicated above, the beginning of a section involves lowering the elongated lifting assemblies so that the items / boxes in the present section make contact with the moving web the article / box is transferred over the next section and the data table 200 of the present section is updated (ie, removing the information with respect to the transferred box) steps 1244, 1246. If the address of the present section is one of the specified address labels 208, then the present section controller 10 also sends a message to the host computer 8 indicating that the item has passed through a label of specified address, step 1248, step 1022 (Fig. 5A). Then, the process returns to the start of the control routine for the indexing section, step 1200. Referring now to Figure 5D, the control routine of a controller 10 is shown when it is configured so that a section of the system transportation, the present section, functions as a separation section 116 (SI, step 1038, Fig. 5A). In transportation systems, boxes / items in transit are preferably separated from one another to avoid damage to the boxes / items as they move through the system. The separation of the boxes / items also allows them to be diverted or inserted clearly through a deviating or insertion section. The separation also makes it easier to identify a box / item as it passes over a tracking device. The separation section 116 is a type of stopping and advancing of the section that controls the separation of the boxes / articles as they pass over the next section. Preferably, the spacing provided by a separation section can be adjusted by the user. As similarly described above for an indexing section 108 (i.e. see, Figure 5C), with a wide operation, the present section controller determines whether a stop flag is set, step 1300 and, if so (YES), if a box / item is in the buffer area, step 1302. If an item is located in the buffer area (SI), then the present controller stops the present section, step 1304, and outputs ready messages and stopping respectively the sections "following and preceding, step 1306 and step 1022 (Figure 5A). After the present section is stopped (step 1304), the process returns to the start of the control routine for the present section, step 1300. If the stop flag is not set (NO, 1300) or there is no item in the buffer section when the stop flag is set (NO, step 1302), then the section controller presents 10 performs two functions as and when requested. Specifically, the present controller 10 controls the entry of articles on the present section and controls the release of the articles on the next section, so that they are separated from each other. As described in the previous discussion with respect to the Figure. 5C, a tracking device 122 is preferably located in front of the present section to provide a positive indication of a box / article that is at the front end of the section. Also as described above, the present section controller verifies the presence of a box / article at the front end (step 1310), acquires information regarding the box / article that will be transferred (step 1312) and determines if there is space in the present section for the box / article (1314). If there is enough space (YES, step 1314), then the box / article is accepted (step 1316), the present section data table is updated (step 1318), and the elapsed travel time tracking process is started, step 1700 (Fig. 5H). If there is insufficient space (NO, step 1314), then the present section controller sends stop and ready messages respectively to the previous and next sections, step 1320 and step 1022 (Figure 5A). After determining that there is insufficient space or after updating the data table (steps 1314, 1318), the process returns to the beginning of the control routine of the present section, step 1300. For the case separation process, the controller of present section determines whether a box is ready to leave a section, step 1330. Preferably, a tracking device 122 is located between the present and the next sections, so that there is a positive indication of the presence of a box at the end of the present section. That is, the tracking device outputs a present box signal to the controllers of present and following sections. However, the present section controller can determine whether the box is at the end of the present section, based on the elapsed time of travel of the box over the present section. If there is no box located on the end of the present section (NO, step 1330) then the process returns to the beginning of the control routine for the present section, step 1300. If a box is located at the end of the present section (YES, step 1330), then the present section continues the operation for a user setting time Ti, a first interval, steps 1332, 1334. This ensures that most of the boxes have traveled in the lifting assembly of the present section and on the dead zone between the present section and the next one. Alternatively, the present section controller can determine whether a first Ti interval for each box / article using the stored length of the box / article and the travel speed of the bands. When the first interval T1 is exceeded (YES, step 1332), the present section controller stops the present section, step 1336, while the second section continues to operate. The present section remains stopped until after it is determined that the box must be raised in the present section, step 1338 and until after an additional period, a second interval T2 is determined as passed step 1340. After the second interval T2 elapsed (YES, step 1340), the present section is re-initialized, step 1342, by lowering the "section elevation assemblies." In this way, the boxes that go down to the next section are separated from each other. 200 of the present section is updated by removing the information with respect to the output box, step 1344. As also discussed above, if the present section is one of the addresses identified for an address label, then the section controller present it also sends a message back to the host computer 8 that the box has gone through this, and then the process returns to the beginning of the routine with trol for the present section, step 1300. When a tracking device 122 is located between the present and the next sections, the section 10 controller determines that the box left the section present when it loses the present signal from the tracking device box . The first and second intervals are parameters set by the user, wherein the second interval may be on the scale of zero at the time of the length of the present section. ~ Referring to Figure 5E, the section control routine is shown when the programmed configuration parameters configure the controller 10, so that the present section functions as an accumulation section 106 (SI, step 1040, Figure 5A) . A transportation system is commonly required to accumulate the product that moves through the various points along the length of the system. Reasons for doing this include adapting consistent production for an automatic process and / or adapting the peaks and troughs of the product's production generally, this implies temporary storage of the product - for example, during peaks, which then progressively released when allowed. For an accumulation section of the present invention, the section runs continuously, until its controller 10 determines that the section must be operated in one of its pre-programmed accumulation modes. The accumulation of the product is achieved by raising the clean product of the bands continuously in motion, using the elongated lifting assemblies, thus stopping the movement of the product (ie, also referred to as the stopping of the present section). In one embodiment, the control routine for the controller 10 of an accumulation section includes three basic and user selectable modes for controlling the accumulation and movement of the product. During operation, the present section controller 10 determines whether the stop flag has been set, step 1400. If the stop flag has not been set (NO), then the controller determines whether the present section is to operate in the third mode. accumulation, step 1402. If not configured for the operation of the third accumulation mode (NO), then the present section controller accepts that the next box is received, step 1404 updates its data table 200, step 1406. In this condition , the section controller presents and functions similar to a straight section when passing through the product and transferring it to the next section. If the present controller is configured to operate in the third accumulation mode (SI, steps 1402), then the controller determines whether the first box / article in the section is within the buffer distance set for the present section, step 1408 If it is (YES), then the present section continues to operate as well as accepting the product (step 1404) and updating the data table (step 1406). If the first box is outside the fixed buffer distance (NO, step 1408), then the present section controller sends a stop message to the previous section, step 1426 and step 1022 (Figure 5A) and return to the process to start of the control routine, step 1400. Although a stop message is transmitted to the previous section, the present section continues to operate so that the product in it can be transferred to the next section. If the stop flag is set (YES, step 1400) indicating that the next section is stopped, then the present section controller stops the present section, step 1410, and identifies which accumulation mode (e.g., modes 1-3) the present section will emulate, step 1412. Based on the mode of operation, determined by the above steps 1402, 1412, the present section controller 10 determines whether there is current information regarding the box / item that is close to arriving of the previous section, step 1414. If not (NO), the present section controller acquires the above information using a bidirectional communications link between the sections, step 1416. If the present section has current information (YES, step 1414) or Once the information has been acquired (step 1416), the controller determines if there is sufficient step in the present section to accumulate the next arriving item / box, step 1418. If sufficient (SI), then the present section controller 10 operates the present section for the purpose of accumulating the product in the present section, step 1422. The present section controller also causes the data table 200 to be updated with information regarding to the box / item added to the same step 1424. The present section controller also initiates the process of tracking the elapsed time, step 1700 (Figure 5H) following the receipt of the box / article. If there is insufficient step in the present section to receive the next box / item for them to arrive (NO, step 1418), then the present section controller sends stop and ready messages respectively to the previous and next sections, step 1426 &; and step 1022 (Figure 5A). After determining if there is insufficient space, (NO, step 1418) or after updating the data table (steps 1406, 1424), the process returns to the start of the control routine for the present section, step 1400. The following describes the process followed by the present controller for each of the three accumulation modes of the present section. In two of the operating modes, the present section operates continuously, transporting the product from one end to the other. When the stop command of the next section is received by the present section (ie, the stop flag is set), the present section immediately stops and the control routine begins to accumulate the product in the present section. In the third mode of operation, accumulation actions are taken by the present section to avoid large gaps between boxes / items in the present and previous sections. For a mode of operation, when the present section is placed in accumulation mode after receiving a stop message from the next section, its controller verifies the available space in front of the nearest box / item (ie, first box) to the next section. The available space is determined from the following relationship, where, B is the length of the present section, Pi is the distance between the front of the present section and the leading edge of the first box and S, a fixed parameter by the user, represents the separation of the product. AVAILABLE SPACE = B- (P? + S) The section controller present 10 using the information regarding the next product that will be received determines whether or not the present section has a space to accept the next product. If the present section controller does not have this information initially, he obtains this information from the previous section using the bidirectional communication link between the sections. The following product of the previous sections accepted if the length of the next product plus the separation of the product (distance "S") is less than or equal to the available space. If the product can not be accepted from the previous section, then the present section remains stopped, a READY message is communicated to the next section and a STOP message is sent to the previous section. As the product is transferred to the next section, the present section control re-evaluates the space available in the present section and re-determines if the product can be accepted. If the product in the previous section can be accepted by the present section, an INDEXAR (INDEX) message is sent to the previous section. The present section remains stopped until it receives a signal from the previous section indicating that a product is close to arriving at the present section, as described above for a separation section. When the present section receives this signal, it begins to operate and continues operating for a fixed interval. The set interval establishes a space between the product in the present section (ie, the distance "S"). After a lapse of time, the present section is again stopped. In a second mode of operation, once the present section is placed in the accumulation measurement after receiving the stop message, the present section controller verifies the total length not occupied in the present section. The unoccupied length is determined from the following relationship, where B is the length of the present section, Li is the length of each box / product in the present section (ie, the "first box"), and S , a parameter set by the user, represents the separation of the product. NON-OCCUPIED LENGTH = B -? (L, + S) As described above, the section controller present 10 using the information regarding the next received product, determines whether or not the present section has room to accept the next product. The next product of the previous section is accepted if the length of the next product plus the separation of the product ("S". Distance) is less than or equal to the total length not occupied. If the product can not be accepted from the previous section, then the present section remains stopped, if it communicates a READY message to the next section and a STOP message is fixed it sends us to the previous section. As the product is transferred to the next section, the present section controller re-evaluates the space available in the present section and redefines whether the product can be accepted from the previous section. , can be accepted in the present section, an INDEXAR message is sent to the previous section.The present section remains stopped until it receives a signal from the previous section indicating that a product is about to arrive in the present section as described previously for a separation station.When the present section receives this signal, it starts to run in the "shock" mode where the product will make received received feedback is indexed in the present section. the controller 10 controls the lifting assemblies so that they will flash and deflate to cause a pulsation action. It is designed to moderately close the gap between the product and also to avoid damage to the bottom of the product. The on / off time of the pulsation action is set by the user and can be optimally set for the product traveling in the transportation system. In contrast to the first mode of operation, a product is accumulated in the section present in the second mode of operation until the controller determines whether the present section is essentially full. That is, the total space not occupied in the present section is initially zero or less than that required to accept the second, product of previous section. In crash mode, if the product reaches the end of the present section before the section is full, the movement of product advance closer to the stop sections by the elevated lift assemblies of the next section. This allows the present section to be filled to capacity. The present section operates in the shock mode until a fixed interval, representative of the distance between the product (distance "S") has elapsed after the product has left the previous section. The interval left places the space between the product in the present section (that is, the distance "S"). After a time has elapsed, the present section is stopped again. Reference should be made to the above discussion with respect to the first accumulation operation mode for details regarding the transfer of the product to the next section, which is equally applicable to a controller using the shock accumulation mode. In the third recovery mode, the present section controller is configured to evaluate the boxes / items in the present section to determine whether the next box / item is located within a buffer distance established from the start or front of the present section. If a box / item is located within the buffer distance, then the section continues to operate and the process of accepting boxes from the previous section will continue (for example, the INDEXAR message will be sent to the previous section). When the box / article moves out of the buffer distance, then the present section continues to operate. However, a stop message is sent to the previous section in order not to allow more boxes / article to move over the present section. In this way, the present section controller avoids large gaps inside the boxes that can not be closed and when the present section becomes accumulated. When this box reaches the next section, the present section sends an indexing message to the previous section. In this way, the process of transferring the product from the previous section to the present section is restarted. As with the other modes of operation, when the present section controller receives a stop message from the next section, the present section is stopped. Then, the present section controller functions as the first mode of operation described above. When in the accumulation mode, the product is transferred from the present section to the next section, you can receive another box / item and there is space in the next section for the box / item ready to be transferred. As such, the present section controller verifies the bidirectional communications link for messages (ie, 1NDEXAR messages), indicating that the first box in the present section can be released, step 1430. If the box / item can be released ( YES) then the next section determines if there is enough space for the box / article to be transferred to the next one based on the information obtained from the present section data table, step 1432. If there are enough spaces (YES, step 1432), then the present section controller causes the box / article to be sent to the next section and causes the information in this respect to be communicated to the next section controller step 1434. In addition, the present section controller also makes the data table of present section to be updated (ie, delete the related information), step 1436. Then, as if there is insufficient space (NO, step 1432) or the box / item can not be released (NO, step 1430), the process returns to the beginning of the control routine for the present section (step 1400). Preferably, the present section controller also controls the transfer of the product, so that the boxes / article being transferred to the next section are separated from each other. The function performed is similar to that by the separation section. Specifically, the present section runs until a pre-established interval Ti has elapsed after the present section controller receives a "present box" signal from a tracking device 122 between the two sections. This ensures that most of the product has traveled from the previous section and over the "dead zone" between the two sections. The present section is stopped while the next section continues to operate, separating the product from the next section. After a second interval T2 has elapsed after the product leaves the section, the signal that prevents the present section from continuing to run is removed. Referring now to Figure 5F, the section control routine is shown when the programmed configuration parameters configure controller 10, so that the present section functions as a diverter section 112 (SI, step 1034, Figure 5A). For the transportation system of the present invention, the product traveling along a line can be distributed in two lines using a diverter section 112 applying one of any number of classification / deviation criteria. For example, the controller of the diverter section 112"can be configured to distribute the product based on the address information (ie the address labels), the length of the product based on the data table entry, the input of switch based on an evaluation of some of the other physical characteristics of the product (ie, height, width, weight) and based on the count (eg, diverted by another box) The controller 10 of the diverter section 112 it can also be configured to operate in a specific manner if one of the output lines is blocked / filled in. The diverter section 112 includes a plurality of rollers that are mounted on a frame, which can be selectively raised or lowered. When the frame is raised, the rollers lift the product out of the moving bands and act on the product in order to cause it to change its direction of flow or movement. For example, the rollers cause the product to make a 90 ° turn to the left with respect to the original flow direction. When the frame is lowered, the rollers are disposed below the surface of the moving bands, as such, the product remains in contact with the moving bands and passes through the diverting section 112. As such, in an arrangement , the product passes through the diverter section 112 towards one of the output lines and in another arrangement, the diverter rolls cause the product to change direction so that it enters another line. Preferably, the diverter section 112 is preceded by an indexing section 108 as illustrated in Figure 3. The indexing section 108 is used to control the time of arrival of the product to the diverter section. As such, the diverter section 112 is preferably actuated at the expected arrival time of the product. Alternatively, the preceding section can be configured with a perception mechanism, such as a photoelectric cell, which drives the diverter section after a preset time delay has elapsed. The preceding section is also operated to maintain or retain the product therein, when the diverter section 112 can not accept the arrival of the next product.
During operation, the present ten controller (i.e., the controller for the diverter section) determines whether it has actual information with respect to the next product that will arrive, step 1500. If it is not (NO), then the present section obtains this information from the previous section using the bidirectional communication link between the sections step 1502. Then, the controller 10 performs a status check to see if the product is being diverted, that is, if the product already exists in the present section 112 step 1504. The present section controller 10 also checks to see if both output lines are alternately filled and the present section controller 10 can be configured so as to check the output line for the next product to arrive to see if this line is full. Typically, this is accomplished by determining whether the stop messages have been previously communicated to the present controller 10 by the controllers for the following sections. Without any product having been diverted, and / or the output lines are not full, (NO, step 1504) then the present section accepts that the next product arrives from the previous section, step 1506. The present section controller 10 also makes that the present section data table be updated with the information regarding the accepted product, step 1508. If there is a product in the present section, and / or both output lines are full (YES, step 1504), then the controller of present section 10 sends a stop message to the previous section, step 1520 and step 1022 (Figure 5A). Afterwards, the process returns to the beginning of the functional routine specific to section 1550. As indicated above, the previous section is operated in such a way that it is stopped and the product remains in it, when a stop message is sent by the Present section controller 10. It is within the experience of one skilled in the art configured, suitably the section controller present 10 for use with other deviator mechanisms or methodologies. If the product can be accepted (YES, step 1506), then the present section controller 10 determines the address requirement for the next product to arrive, step 1510. Specifically, the present section controller 10 determines whether the product will do deviated or will pass through the present section to the appropriate exit line. If the next product is going to arrive, this will be diverted (YES), then the present controller determines if the diverter output line is full, step 1512. This is achieved using the bidirectional communications links established within the controllers of the present section and the next section on the deviation exit line. If the bypass output line is not full (YES), then the controller 10 configures the present section (i.e., lifting roller) at the appropriate time step 1514. The product then transferred to the bypass output line, step 1516. The present section remains operating in the configured arrangement during a fixed interval "s" after the product left the previous section. Once the interval has expired the process returns to the start of the control routine (step 1500). Typically, the present section is also operated so that the rollers remain disposed below the surface of the moving webs except when the product is to be directed back to the bypass exit line. A transportation system is typically arranged to include a path to recirculate the product back to the start of a diverter section so that the operation of the system is not adversely affected (i.e., stopped) if the departure line deviates It is temporarily full. In these situations the product is passed straight through a diverting section. As such, the present section controller 10 includes an inversion reversal criterion that forces the product to be specifically addressed in the output line deviation is full, without reconsidering the requirement to divert the product. In this way, if the bypass exit line is full (YES, step 1512), then the product is passed straight through the present station and transferred directly to an exit line, step 1516. Similarly, the product it is passed straight through and transferred to the starting line, when the product is not diverted (NO, step 1510). In this condition, the rollers of the present section are not raised, but rather remain in the down or down position. As with the other sections of the transmutation system, the data table 200 of the present invention is updated to remove the data from the data table of the present section, step 1518, with respect to the product that is being sent in the next section. of any line in this way. If the present section is being controlled based on an address information in the data table, then as part of the update process, an information message is sent by the present section controller 10 back to the host computer 8 of which the product has passed through one of the address labels. Referring now to Figure 5G, the section routine is shown, when the programmed configuration parameters configure the controller 10 so that the present section functions as an insert 114 (SI, step 1036 Figure 5A) for the transportation system of In the present invention, the product traveling along two lines can be inserted into an exit line using an insertion section 114 which is applied to any number of insertion techniques / criteria. For example, the controller 10 for an insertion section 114 can be configured so that the first arriving product is first through the insertion section 114. Alternatively, the controller can be configured so that it is given priority to a line when the product arrives at the same time in both lines of entry. For any technique, the insertion section then alternately receives the product from the two input lines. In yet another technique, a batch of products (eg, five boxes) is released from a line and then one batch is released from the other line. The insertion section 114 includes a plurality of rollers that are mounted on a frame so that they can be selectively raised or lowered. When the rollers are raised, the rollers raise the product of the moving bands and act on the product in the insertion section causing it to change its direction of flow or movement. When the rollers are lowered, the product remains in contact with the moving bands. As such in one arrangement, the product passes through the insertion section 114 from one entry line directly to the exit line and in another arrangement, the insertion section causes the product from the other exit line to redo directed towards the starting line. Preferably, the insertion section 114 is preceded by an indexing section 108 in each entry line as illustrated in Figure 3. The indexing section is used to control the arrival of the product of each entry line. This makes the product separate from the entry lines to avoid collisions as well as controlling the time of arrival of the product to the insertion section. As such, the insertion section 114 of the present invention is operated at the expected arrival time of the product of one of the entry lines in the insertion section. Alternatively, the preceding section of each of the input lines can be configured with perceptual mechanisms, such as a photoelectric cell as an input to the present section controller to determine which input line the product should send and when to operate the insertion section. During operation, the present section controller 10 (ie, the controller of the insertion section) determines whether the stop flag has been set, step 1600. If the stop flag is set (YES), then the controller stops the previous sections of sending stop messages to the previous sections, step 1606, step 1022 (Figure 5A). The process then returns to the beginning of the control routine for the present section (step 1600). If the stop flag is not set (NO, step 1600), then the present section controller performs a status check to see if the product has already been inserted, that is, if the product is in the present section, step 1606. If the product is in the present section (SI), then the present section controller sends a stop message to the controller of the previous section on each entry line, step 1604, step 1022 (Figure 5A). The next product to arrive from both input lines is maintained in the previous sections until the present section can accept the product to be inserted and transferred to the next section. If there is no product in insertion section 114 and it is empty (NO, step 1606), then the present section goes to the process of determining which input line will accept your product. The insertion process depends on the particular insertion criteria / technique that will be implemented by the present section controller. As such, the controller obtains the information from the previous sections of the two input lines and evaluates this against the insertion criteria being implemented, step 1608. Preferably, the control routine includes instructions and criteria for selectively implementing any of the two insertion techniques, the priority insertion technique and the batch insertion technique. Using the specific instructions of the technique and criteria, the present section controller controls the insertion section, as well as the previous sections of the two input lines, so that the product is correctly received from one of the input lines, step 1610. At the same time the present section controller 10 causes the data table 200 of the present section to be updated with the information regarding the received product, In addition, the controller configured the present section (i.e., the rollers are raised or they are kept down) at the appropriate time, so that the product you are doing received will be in appropriate replenishment to be transferred to the next section, step 1612.
After the present section is appropriately configured by the present section controller, the product is inserted by the present section and transferred to the next section on the output line, step 1614. When the product is transferred to the next section, the table of present section data 200 is updated to reflect the output product (ie, deleted information), step 1616. Then, the process returns to the start of the control routine for the present section (step 1600). In the following, he briefly discusses how the previous steps are achieved when one of the insertion techniques previously presented is used. Priority insertion technique, the controller of the present 10 determines which of the two input lines have priority if the priority line is, for example, the input line # 1. Then the present section controller determines whether the product at the end of the previous section for line # 1. This can be determined through a signal from the tracking device 122 at the end of the previous section of line # 1 or through a signal from the controller of this previous section indicating that the product is located in the buffer zone of this section. The present section controller also determines if there is a product ready to leave input line # 2, if there is also a product at the end of line # 2, then the present section controller sends a STOP command message to the controller to the previous section on line # 2.
The present section controller then configures the present section to receive graft the product of line # 1 and transfer it to the next section. For example, if line # 1 is the line with the starting line, then the rollers of the present section are left in, or placed in the downward position. The product passes through the present section on the moving bands common to the present section, the previous section on line # 1 and the next section. When the product is transferred to the next section, the present section data table is updated to reflect the product output of these. Further, if the present section is one of the addresses identified for an address tag, the present section controller outputs a message to the host computer 8 as described above. If there is no product on line # 1, the present section controller determines if the product exists at the end of line # 2. If so, then a check is made to see if the product has not reached an end. from line # 1. If the product is now at the end of line # 1, the present section driver sends a stop message to the controller for the previous section of line # 1, thus stopping the product from leaving. line # 1. The present section controller then configures the present section to receive and insert the product of line # 2 and transfer it to the next section. For example, if line # 2 is the angled entry line, then the rollers of the present section are raised or placed in the up position, at the time when the product is expected to reach the present section. The rollers are operated to change the direction of the product as it passes through the present section. The rollers are then lowered so that the product makes contact with the moving bands and can move on the next section. As with the process described above for line # 1, the present section data table 200 is updated to reflect the product leaving the section present. To ensure a space between successively received products, the present section controller also does not allow the present section to accept more products until after a pre-established interval has elapsed after the product leaves the section present. In the batch insertion technique, a batch of products is passed through the present section from an entry line while the product is maintained or accumulated on the second entry line. Then, a batch of products from the second line then passes through the present section, while the product is maintained or accumulated in the first line. The process repeats itself. In all other aspects, the process described above for the priority insertion is equally applicable for the batch insertion technique. In the above discussions with respect to Figures 5B-5E, the respective control routines that have been described as coming from an elapsed time path tracking process were initiated through the present section controller 10 as each box / item entering to the present section. Referring to Figure 5H, the control routine for the elapsed time tracking process that is used to determine if some box / item was physically removed from the present section before reaching the end point of the section is shown. This is done so that the tracking of the boxes / items through each section and the operation of the transportation system is not adversely affected by said removal. As indicated in the previous discussion, as each box / article enters a section, a timeout clock routine or a 1700 clock routine is initiated. If it is recognized that the present section controller 10 can use the media clock of the central processing unit 26, or other circuit or clock device, as is known to those skilled in the art, to develop the repetitive signal pulses used to track / determine the elapsed time. "TT present section controller 10, using the position information determined by the tracking device signals 122, determines whether a box / article is located in an intermittent memory zone of the present invention, step 1702. If the box is in the buffer zone (SI), then the time-out clock is stopped for this box, step 1704. While the process describes the clock as being stopped for the box that is coming out of the present section, the clock keeps running to stop the boxes that remain there or are added to the present section If the box is not in the buffer zone (NO, step 1702), then the controller determines whether the preset period to traverse the length of the present section must be adjusted , step 1706. As discussed above, the various sections that comprise the transportation system may or may not be stopped for periods (ie, the movement of boxes / items in transit stops). For example, when an accumulation section is in accumulation mode the passage of each box through the accumulation section is delayed. As such, the pre-established period is adjusted to represent these detentions or time delays. If the preset period must be adjusted (YES), then the present section controller adjusts the preset travel period according to a setting procedure, step 1708. After adjusting the preset travel period (step 1708), or if not no adjustment is required (NO, step 1706), the present section controller determines whether the elapsed time for each box exceeds the period of travel to pass through the present section, step 1710. If the preset travel period is exceeded (YES), then the present section controller considers that the box being traced has been removed from the present section. Accordingly, the present section controller updates the present section data table to eliminate the information with respect to this box, step 1712, and does not communicate with the information in the following section. If the transportation system 101 is connected to a host computer 8, then the present section controller also sends an error message to the host computer using the communication network of the controllers, step 1714 and step 1022 (Figure 5A). If the period of travel is not exceeded (NO, 1710), then the above process is repeated for the box until the box determines whether it has reached the end of the present section, step 1702, or the preset travel time has expired, step 1710. As noted above, this process is repeated for each box in the present section. Referring now to Figure 51, the control routine for accessing the present section controller 10 for initial programming or reprogramming of the controller configuration parameters using the bidirectional communications network is shown. Preferably, the host computer 8 outputs a message to a controller 10 indicating that it will be programmed / reprogrammed (YES, step 1004 FIG. 5A). To program or reprogram the configuration parameters, a link is established between the host computer * 8 and the controller to be programmed / reprogrammed, step 1800. This typically involves the transmission of recognition message between the host computer 8 and the controller 10 over the communications network 100. The host computer 8 then transmits the parameters to the present section controller 10 which is initially being fixed there or is being updated or changed, step 1802. For example, when the controller 10 is initially configured for a 104, the host computer could communicate the information regarding the type of section (for example, one for the straight section), the length of the section, the time taken to traverse the length of the section, the next section direction , the previous section address, the size of the buffer zone, and the parameters others in relation to address dialing. While, for example, to update / reprogram it you can change one of the configuration parameters (for example, the size of the buffer zone). The controller 10 takes the transmitted information and stores it in the NVRAM memory 22, step 1804. The controller 10 and the host computer 8 then perform a process to verify that the parameters have been updated / appropriately set step 1806. Then, the controller Present section returns to verify bidirectional communication network for messages directed to its address 1002 (Figure 5A). As noted above, each controller 11 may also be initially configured or updated using port 20 of RS232I / 0. During operation, the process for programming the controller using the input / output port 20 is similar to that described above. Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, said description is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
Claims (22)
1. A controller for a device for use in a system including a plurality of said controllers, the device controller comprises: at least one bidirectional input port; at least one bidirectional output port; a processor that processes information and provides outputs, wherein at least one output controls the device; an application program to run inside the processor, where the application program includes instructions and criteria to process the information and provide the output of the processor; and wherein the instructions and criteria of the application program include: instructions and criteria for communicating information between system controllers using bidirectional input and output ports, instructions and criteria for processing information received by the device driver, and instructions and criteria to modify the operation of the device in response to the information communicated.
The device driver according to claim 1, further comprising a read / write memory for storing data and parameters that control the operation of the application program, and wherein the application program includes instructions and criteria for controlling the storage of data in the read / write memory.
3. The device controller according to claim 1, wherein a communication link is established between each pair of system controllers by electrically interconnecting a bidirectional output port of one controller to a bidirectional input port of the other controller.
4. When the device driver according to claim 1, wherein the application program further includes instructions and criteria for tracking the real time data related to the operation of the system.
The device driver according to claim 1, wherein the application program further includes instructions and criteria for reprogramming the processor through instructions and information communicated to the processor through a bidirectional input port.
6. The device driver according to claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises at least two bidirectional output ports and at least two bidirectional input ports.
7. A transportation system comprising a multiplicity of transportation sections, each section being provided with a local controller and wherein the controller for each transportation section, the corresponding transportation section, comprises: at least one bidirectional input port; at least one bidirectional port; a processor that processes the information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the operation of the corresponding transportation section; an application program to run inside the processor, where the application program includes instructions and criteria to process the information and provide the processor outputs; and wherein the instructions and criteria of the application program include: instructions and criteria for communicating information between each controller of the multiplicity of transportation sections, instructions and criteria for processing the information received by the controller for the corresponding transportation section, instructions and criteria to control the operation of the corresponding transportation section, and instructions and criteria to modify the operation of the corresponding transportation section that responds to the information communicated by another driver of another transportation section.
The transportation system according to claim 7, further comprising a read / write memory for storing data and parameters that control the operation of the application program, and wherein the application program includes instructions and criteria to control the storage of data in the read / write memory.
9. The transportation system according to claim 8, wherein the application program further includes instructions and criteria for real-time tracking of articles on each transportation section.
10. The transportation system according to claim 8, wherein there is a multiplicity of different types of section to be used in the transportation system; wherein the parameters stored in the read / write memory at least designate the type of section of the corresponding transportation section; and wherein the application program further includes: instructions and criteria for controlling the operation of any of the multiplicity of different types of addresses; and instructions and criteria to select the instructions and criteria that control the corresponding transportation section based on the section type parameter stored in the read / write memory.
The transportation system according to claim 8, wherein the data related to the articles in the corresponding transportation section are stored in the read / write memory, and wherein the controller of the corresponding transportation section communicates the data in relation to an article that leaves that section to the driver of a downstream transportation section that is to receive the output item.
The transportation system according to claim 11, wherein a communication link is established between the controllers of the respective transportation sections by interconnecting a bidirectional output port of a controller to a bidirectional input port of the downstream controller.
The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the multiplicity of different types of sections is a straight transportation section that transports the articles from one end of the section to the other end, and wherein the program of applications also includes instructions and criteria to operate the corresponding transportation section as a straight transportation section.
14. The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the multiplicity of section types is an accumulation section, which under specified operating conditions, accumulates items in the section and controls its passage over a transportation section. low current and where the application program also includes instructions and criteria to operate the corresponding transportation section, such as an accumulation section.
15. The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the multiplicity of section types is an indexing section that controls the passage of the article through and in a downstream section, and wherein the application program furthermore it includes instructions and criteria to operate the corresponding transportation section as an indexing section.
The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the multiplicity of section types is a separation section that controls the release of the articles in a downstream section so that the successively released items are separated one on the other, and where the application program also includes instructions and criteria to operate the corresponding transportation section as a separation section.
The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the section type multiplicity is an insertion section that selectively inserts articles arriving from the two input lines of the transportation system to an individual exit line. , and wherein the application program further includes instructions and criteria for operating the corresponding transportation section as an insertion section including receiving the data regarding the next item that will arrive from the upstream controller on the appropriate entry line.
18. The transportation system according to claim 10, wherein one of the multiplicity of section types is a diverter section that selectively distributes the items arriving from one input line to the two output lines, and wherein the program of Applications also include instructions and criteria to operate the corresponding transportation section as a diverter section, including the transfer of data with respect to the next item that will be distributed to a downstream driver at the start line, where the item will be distributed.
The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the application program further includes instructions and criteria for reprogramming the processor through instructions and information that is being communicated to the processor through at least one of the ports bidirectional input.
The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein each controller comprises at least two bidirectional output ports and at least two bidirectional input ports.
The transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the transportation system further includes a multiplicity of tracking devices sensing the presence of an article, wherein a tracking device is disposed at the beginning of the first section and wherein the other tracking devices are arranged between the pairs of transportation sections.
22. A method for local device control comprising the steps of: providing a local controller for each device that will be controlled, each local controller including a processor that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the operation of the corresponding device, an application program to be executed with the processor, and wherein the application program includes instructions and criteria to process information and provide the processor outputs; Connect each local controller in order to establish a communication network between all the controllers; control the normal operation of the device in accordance with the instructions and criteria of the application program; communicating the information between a pair of controllers in relation to at least the operating capability of the device for at least one of the controller pairs; process information that is being received by a controller including information regarding the operation of another device; and modify the operation of a device that responds to the information received with respect to the operation of another device.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08752587 | 1996-11-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA99004742A true MXPA99004742A (en) | 2000-09-04 |
Family
ID=
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| AU722441B2 (en) | Method for controlling devices, a device controller and a conveying system | |
| WO1998022857A9 (en) | Method for controlling devices, a device controller and a conveying system | |
| US7035714B2 (en) | Integrated conveyor bed | |
| JP7758361B2 (en) | Conveyor Equipment | |
| AU2020329842B2 (en) | Modular package sorting system | |
| CA2180249C (en) | Selective delivery conveyor system | |
| EP0083147B1 (en) | Material handling and sorting system | |
| US6959229B2 (en) | RFID control system | |
| EP0254261B1 (en) | Method for merging goods | |
| EP0463878A1 (en) | Modular conveyor system | |
| CH674952A5 (en) | ||
| JP7718714B2 (en) | Conveyor | |
| MXPA99004742A (en) | Method for controlling devices, a device controller and a conveying system | |
| KR101991841B1 (en) | Conveyor apparatus enable to decentralizedly controll transfer route | |
| KR20000009657A (en) | System for manufacturing a small number of multiple kinds on single line | |
| KR101937687B1 (en) | Conveyor apparatus enable to decentralizedly controll transfer route and method for decentralizedly controlling transfer route of conveyor apparatus | |
| JP2555709B2 (en) | Conveyor line operation method | |
| MXPA00010283A (en) | Processing system for processing piece goods |