Integrated robot control using manufacturing message specification protocol based on NetBIOS

An implementation of Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) protocol has been made for robot control based on a token-ring personal computer (PC) network using NetBIOS. This paper discusses the construction of the MMS protocol data unit (PDU) and virtual manufacturing device (VMD) which are essential elements in the protocol. The session layer capability of the NetBIOS protocol provides a good basis for establishing the confirmed services in MMS. The services are implemented by utilising the extensive session control functions in NetBIOS and building on top the required presentation and application elements. The philosophy of multiple-access machine control in MMS is also made possible on a single-user operating system such as DOS by a ring buffer control scheme. The implication of these are further explored in relation to the dynamic control of robot over the network environment using the concepts of domain and program invocation in MMS.