Object-oriented software modeling of a Flexible Manufacturing System

Flexible Manufacturing Systems play an important role in improving our manufacturing productivity. Simulation is emerging as a popular tool in modeling FMS for analyzing its performance in the area of production planning/scheduling. In this paper, we illustrate how to model a Flexible Manufacturing System in the object-oriented paradigm using an example. We present a systemtic approach to the design of object-oriented programming systems based on a combination of data modeling and event analysis techniques.An entity relationship approach is used as the basis for an initial decomposition of the system into objects. The design is refined by an analysis of the events the objects participate in. The design is implemented in Objective-C. Finally, we describe ways in which this model of an FMS can be extended to explore popular research questions in production planning and scheduling.     

A feasible approach to the integration of CAD and CAPP

Although current CAD systems are declared to be feature-based, in fact, the so-called feature is just a modeling macro or menu name such as Protrusion, Revolution, Cutout, Block, etc., instead of a design feature or manufacturing feature in accordance with engineering practice. Consequently, product model data insufficiency and incompatibility between varieties of application systems are still the major barriers to system integration, especially the integration of design and process planning. This paper proposes a practical solution for a bi-directional integration of CAD and CAPP on the platform of commercial CAD systems. The key techniques such as feature recognition and conversion, feature parameter and constraint extraction, feature tree reconstruction, technical information processing, process planning, automatic process drawing marking and 3D material stock CAD model generating are discussed. And the extracted features and their related technical information and knowledge are encapsulated together with the geometry-oriented CAD model to form an integrated product information model to facilitate effective integration with the downstream activities. The integrated CAD/CAPP system is implemented on a commercial CAD package, UGS/SolidEdge. A case study and industry implementation illustrate the feasibility of the approach proposed.     

A grammatical optimization approach for integrated process planning and scheduling

Rapid developments in computerized manufacturing environments and increasing overlapping in the capability of manufacturing resources provoked integration of many manufacturing functions including process planning scheduling. Several approaches have been developed in the literature in order to integrate process planning and scheduling. In this paper a novel approach which makes use of grammatical representation of generic process plans is used within a multiple objective tabu search framework in order to integrate process planning and scheduling effectively. Detailed explanations along with an example problem are presented in the paper. Proposed approach is tested on literature problems and also hypothetically generated flexible job shop scheduling problems with alternative process plans to analyze its performance and efficiency.     

An object-oriented model for FMS control

The flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a distributed network of heterogeneous programmable manufacturing machinery, such as assembly lines and numerically controlled machines. Despite these interconnected, programmable hardware elements, the success of building a truly flexible manufacturing system has been limited so far, owing to the lack of flexibility in its control software layer. In integrating heterogeneous machinery, many existing FMS control software systems depend structurally on specific machinery and job-scheduling strategies, and thus it is difficult to incorporate new developments in FMS organization and operational requirements. In searching for an open architecture for the FMS control software system, this paper presents an object-oriented FMS data model. Among others, it represents each physical cluster of related machinery (called a flexible manufacturing cell) as an object. To facilitate the integration of heterogeneous physical cells, such cell objects share a common protocol of interacting with the main control process through inheritance from the abstract cell class. Other related physical and abstract entities in FMS are also modelled as objects, with their similarity and difference captured in inheritance hierarchies. To verify the proposed approach experimentally, a prototype FMS control software system named FREE (FMS Runtime Executive Environment) has been implemented on top of a commercial object-oriented database system.     

An artificial intelligence planning approach to manufacturing feature recognition

Within manufacturing, features have been widely accepted as useful concepts, and in particular they are used as an interface between CAD and CAPP systems. Previous research on feature recognition focus on the issues of intersecting features and multiple interpretations, but do not address the problem of custom features representation. Representation of features is an important aspect for making feature recognition more applicable in practice. In this paper a hybrid procedural and knowledge-based approach based on artificial intelligence planning is presented, which addresses both classic feature interpretation and also feature representation problems. STEP designs are presented as case studies in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model.     

面向CAD／CAM集成化的产品建模方法研究

本文根据ＣＡＤ／ＣＡＭ集成化需要，提出了几何模型、测量实体模型、尺寸模型、约束模型及属性模型构成的特征模型数据结构及其面向对象表达方式；并据此描述了基于特征的产品信息的层次结构表达模型及其建模过程，最后，介绍了以本文提出思想为基础的基于特征ＣＡＤ原型系统。     

工艺规划数据模型的构造

本文阐明计算机辅助工艺规划中一种新的数据模型，构造和表达一般性工艺规划进程，工艺规划数据模型包括产品模型和方法模型两个部分。产品模型表达产品在机械加工过程中各个状态；方法模型描述对产品进行加工的工艺方法和操作顺序。     

Development of a feature-based and object-oriented concurrent engineering system

Product information modeling is critical to the integration of mechanical CAD/CAM systems and to the implementation of a concurrent engineering system. This paper presents a recent development of a feature-based and object-oriented concurrent engineering system with its focus on a product information modeling technique implemented in the system. The technique was developed to capture product definition data including form features and their spatial relationships and to store them as an object-oriented information model during the design process. The paper also describes the implementation of the information modeling technique and its application to manufacturing process planning in an object-oriented environment.     

Heuristic knowledge representation of production scheduling: An integrated modeling approach

In spite of the efforts to automate production scheduling systems, most manufacturing plants rely on human schedulers for their practical production scheduling due mainly to the complexity and unpredictability of the manufacturing systems. One of the reasons for the difficulties in automating the production scheduling process is the lack of an explicit representation scheme of heuristic scheduling knowledge.

In this paper, an integrated modeling approach is presented to represent the complicated heuristic knowledge in production scheduling systems. The integrated modeling approach is based on object-oriented and event-driven modeling. It provides the explicit, declarative and executable representation of heuristic scheduling knowledge which aids the communication between human schedulers and system analysts. The declarative and executable representation of scheduling knowledge will enhance the flexibility of production scheduling systems and aid the development of production scheduling information systems.

A heuristic production scheduling model of a tire manufacturing system is used throughout the paper to illustrate the concepts and applicability of the approach.     

A Web-based process planning optimization system for distributed design

In this paper, a process planning module, which can optimize the selection of machining resources, determination of set-up plans and sequencing of machining operations to achieve optimized process plans, has been wrapped as services and deployed in the Internet to support distributed design and manufacturing analysis. The module includes four intelligent approaches, and a Tabu search-based approach is explained in this paper to illustrate the optimization process. A Web-based prototype system has been setup for users to carry out visualization-based manipulations and process planning of design models by invoking the services remotely. The Web-based system has been integrated with a distributed feature-based design system, and the latter can generate design models and re-represent them in an XML representation based on VRML and attributes of features to provide the input of the former. Through effective utilization of the Web and Java technologies, this system is independent of the operating system, scalable and service-oriented, and can be used by a geographically distributed design team to organize concurrent engineering design activities effectively.     

Feature-based modeling for automatic mesh generation

Automatic meshing algorithms for finite element analysis are based on a computer understanding of the geometry of the part to be discretized. Current mesh generators understand the part as either a boundary representation, an octree, or a point set. A higher-level understanding of the part can be achieved by associating engineering significance and engineering data, such as loading and boundary conditions, with generic shapes in the part. This technique, called feature-based modeling, is a popular approach to integrating computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing through the use of machinable shapes in the CAD model. It would seem that feature-based design also could aid in the finite element mesh generation process by making engineering information explicit in the model.This paper describes an approach to feature-based mesh generation. The feature representation of a fully functioning feature-based system that does automatic process planning and inspection was extended to include finite element mesh generation. This approach is based on a single feature representation that can be used for design, finite element analysis, process planning, and inspection of prismatic parts. The paper describes several advantages that features provide to the meshing process, such as improved point sets and a convenient method of simplifying the geometry of the model. Also discussed are possible extensions to features to enhance the finite element meshing process.     

An object-oriented bill of materials system for dynamic product management

In this paper, the bill of materials (BOM) system is defined as the central hub of a general product data management (PDM) system that provides essential data for running a manufacturing system to produce products. Information that is relevant to products and their components is defined in the BOM. The information is critically related to data from product design, manufacturing planning, production management, procurement, inventory control, and accounting within a company. A conventional BOM structure (or product configuration), which manages data only in a stand-alone relational database management style, cannot satisfy the needs requested by all departments within a company. A BOM should relate to and communicate with other domains of the information system. In this research, a newly designed BOM system uses the object-oriented programming (OOP) concept to represent product information. The object-oriented BOM (OOBOM) system can capture and encapsulate data that will simultaneously serve the information needs of various departments. In order to manage product data dynamically, the system provides several interfaces for easy data access and manipulation. The linkage between BOM and its corresponding CAD/CAM system is enabled through the X-window manager: thus an integrated PDM environment is developed. This product management approach improves the consistency and efficiency of product data representation.     

基于面向对象XML索引机制的研究与实现

面向对象的特征具有很强的建模能力,将面向对象的特征引入到XML可以增强XML的描述能力。而现有的索引都不支持面向对象的XML数据的查询,由此基于面向对象XML数据的两种索引模式被提出:基于Ctree的预处理模式和OOCtree模式。这两种模式都提供了面向对象XML数据的继承信息、简洁的结构概要和孩子父亲链接,可以在较短的时间内完成面向对象XML数据的查询;并从算法的建立到查询处理过程以及查询结果的比较来讨论分析了这两种索引模式的性能。     

XML数据的数值对象化及其转化算法

XML数据的结构复杂且具有异构性,数据使用难度大,其文本内容特点使XML数据访问程序难以被有效维护。针对该问题提出数值对象化模型,使用相同算法对所有XML数据进行处理,将XML数据的使用问题转化为面向对象编程语言中的VO值对象处理问题,避免对每类具有不同结构的XML数据文档进行单独解析,增强程序可维护性。工程应用和实验结果验证了该模型的有效性。     

OOPPS: an object-oriented process planning system

This paper presents an object-oriented approach to the development of a generative process planning system—Object-Oriented Process Planning Systems (OOPPS). The system consists of three functional modules: object-oriented product model (OOPM) module, object-oriented manufacturing facility model (OOMFM) module, and object-oriented process planner (OOPP). The OOPM has a hierarchical structure with six classes of objects, class Products, class SubAssembly, class Part, class CSGTree, class Solid and class Feature. It can represent a product with all detailed information. The OOMFM is used to represent a cellular manufacturing system including machine cells, machine tools fixtures, and cutting tools. The OOPP generates process plans for parts using a multi-level hierarchical planning approach with four levels: cell-level planning, machine-level planning, fixture-level planning and tool-level planning. At the cell-level, all required operations are determined based on the feature specifications. Machine cells are then selected, based on the selected operations, for the minimal inter-cell movement. The machine-level planning selects the machines within the chosen cells. The fixtures are also selected on the selected machines. At the fixture-level planning, part setups and their sequences are selected. Finally, the tool-level planning determines all details for the process plans. An automated progamming system was also developed to link the OOPP to Smart CAM to generate CNC programs. An example has been used to illustrate the approach.     

An approach to identify design and manufacturing features from a data exchanged part model

Due to the large variety of CAD systems in the market, data exchange between different CAD systems is indispensable. Currently, data exchange standards such as STEP and IGES, etc. provide a unique approach for interfacing among different CAD platforms. Once the feature-based CAD model created in one CAD system is input into another via data exchange standards, many of the original features and the feature-related information may not exist any longer. The identification of the design features and their further decomposition into machining features for the downstream activities from a data exchanged part model is a bottleneck in integrated product and process design and development. In this paper, the feature panorama is succinctly articulated from the viewpoint of product design and manufacturing. To facilitate feature identification and extraction, a multiple-level feature taxonomy and hierarchy is proposed based on the characteristics of part geometry and topology entities. The relationships between the features and their geometric entities are established. A litany of algorithms for the identification of design and machining features are proposed. Besides, how to recognize the intersecting features or compound features based on the featureless chunks of geometry entities is critical and the issue is addressed in the paper. A multi-level compound feature representation and recognition approach are presented. Finally, case studies are used to illustrate the validity of the approach and algorithms proposed for the identification of the features from CAD part models in neutral format.     

Developing distributed applications for integrated product and process design

A heterogeneous computing environment characterizes today's manufacturing situation. This is a stumbling block for the efficient implementation of manufacturing concepts such as integrated product and process design (IPPD). A computing environment for IPPD would require the seamless integration of the various product and process design software systems. The exchange of information between these systems should be efficient, compatible and synchronous. This article presents an approach for developing distributed manufacturing applications that are compatible and synchronized and thus, able to support IPPD. The approach involves the use of a common manufacturing application ‘middleware’, which is distributed between a central geometric modelling server and application clients. The portability of the middleware is ensured through the use of Java for code portability and XML for data portability. The compatible product model problem is solved through the use of common data structures developed using reusable application client classes. Efficient transfer of product data is proposed using compressed model information embedded in a product data XML schema. Synchronization of design changes among all applications is achieved through the creation of relationships on an Application Relationship Manager.     

XML-based genetic programming framework: design philosophy, implementation, and applications

We present the design philosophy, implementation, and various applications of an XML-based genetic programming (GP) framework (XGP). The key feature of XGP is the distinct representation of genetic programs as DOM parsing trees featuring corresponding flat XML text. XGP contributes to the achievements of: (i) fast prototyping of GP by using the standard built-in API of DOM parsers for manipulating the genetic programs, (ii) human readability and modifiability of the genetic representations, (iii) generic support for the representation of the grammar of a strongly typed GP using W3C-standardized XML schema; (iv) inherent inter-machine migratability of the text-based genetic representation (i.e., the XML text) in the distributed implementations of GP.     

Multi-agent collaborative 3D design with geometric model at different levels of detail

This paper presents a scheme for collaborative 3D design using product model at various levels of detail (LODs). Design features are selectively hidden at each level from certain participants, depending on their actual needs and individual accessibility in the collaboration. A tree data structure represents the feature hierarchy of CAD construction, the link between feature and LOD, and 2D mesh data for display control of each feature. An XML/XSLT-based approach is proposed to enable real-time visualization of different LOD models in distributed environment. A collaborative design system is implemented using multi-agent technologies, which focuses on function design of each agent, interactions among agents, the client–server structure, and generation of the LOD data using the XML/XSLT approach. A scenario of synchronous 3D mold assembly demonstrates that geometric categorization of product model provides an operational mechanism for assuring security of information sharing in engineering collaborations over the Internet. It also validates the effectiveness of the agent technologies for automating complex engineering activities.