Object oriented programming for motion control

The application of motion control to solve general automation problems has been hampered in the past by the steep learning curve of traditional programming languages. From the application development standpoint, traditional motion control languages demand not only a complete understanding of the details of the application, but also a thorough knowledge of programming concepts before a solution can be implemented. A motion control concept utilizing a graphical user interface and icons to represent motion function is presented. This graphical motion control language allows free-form motion programming by simply connecting the icons to conceptualize the application in block diagram form. Motion and process details can be filled in later. Once the diagram is complete, it is converted into a text file in the native language of the particular motion controller to be used and downloaded for execution. An example implementation is presented.<>