O R I G I N a L a R T I C L E Kernel Software for Efficiently Building, Re-configuring, and Distributing an Open Cnc Controller

Several open control architectures have been proposed to enable the incorporation of new technologies into existing CNC controllers. However, complex interfaces and communications among heterogeneous hardware and software platforms have yet to be resolved to reduce development time and cost. We propose a piece of kernel software that facilitates the development, reconfiguration, and distribution of CNC controllers. Assuming that various CNC control functions can be implemented and represented as software modules, the kernel software, acting as middleware, provides bridges between the software modules and the CNC machine by using the process and resource models. A resource model is created for each software module in order to represent its interface specification. A process model is used to represent the invocation sequence of software modules for a particular task received from the operators or other controllers. Based on the implementation of a prototype system, initial results look quite promising. The successful development of the kernel software will reduce the time and cost incurred in the development or modification of an open CNC controller.