Patent ID: 7945346
Filing Date: 2011-05-17
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
1. A configurable self-identifying workpiece transport system for moving an associated workpiece through a processing course, the workpiece transport system comprising: a plurality of modules disposed in selected positions relative to each other to define a plurality of processing paths, each of the plurality of modules having storage means for storing identification data specific to the module and each including a local communication circuit adapted to selectively execute a local communication process to communicate with adjacent other modules thereby developing, within a first set of communicating modules, connectivity data, wherein communication between adjacent modules of said first set of communicating modules during said local communication process is a proxy for a physical workpiece path therebetween and enables each of the plurality of modules to determine physical connections between adjacent modules in said transport system; and, at least one control processor including an automatic identification system in communication with each of the plurality of modules for retrieving from said first set of modules said identification data and said connectivity data developed from the local communication process between each of the plurality of modules and generating functional information about the workpiece transport system for use in moving said associated workpiece relative to the modules along said processing course.