A methodology for expressing CIM reference architectures

TNO is doing research in many areas of industrial automation and is heavily involved in European projects financed by R&D programmes such as Esprit, Eureka and Brite, and in many ISO and CEN standardization activities. From this experience it becomes clear that the I of Integration in CIM has not only to do with the integration of the so-called “islands of automation” but also with the integration of ”islands of manufacturing”: how we can improve the transfer of manufacturing knowledge. We have to increase the semantic content of our integration approaches, so that not only can computer scientist be involved, but also people from the companies we are trying to help, and people who are responsible for the development of new CIM components. The real problem is not a problem of technical integration of computers, but much more a “conceptual modelling” problem. Fundamental questions are, for instance, how we can, on the semantic level really required, model information transfer upstream and downstream in the product life cycle. Based on the analysis of existing CIM projects such as CAD*I, CIM- OSA, Open CAM Systems (Esprit I) IMPACT (Esprit II), CAM-I's CIM Architecture, the Danish Principal model for CIM, and more, we developed a generic and reusable CIM reference architecture. This architecture shows manufacturing activities, real and information flow objects, CIM components and industrial automation standards like STEP, MAP, TOP, EDIFACT, MMS etc. in an integrated way. In this paper we describe the CIM base model used to express the CIM reference architecture and give some details of the CIM reference architecture itself.     

Selection of computer-integrated manufacturing technologies using a combined analytic hierarchy process and goal programming model

Investment in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) is a multi-attribute problem, which includes both qualitative and quantitative factors. In order to select the best set of CIM alternatives among the competing ones it is necessary to make a trade off between the quantative and qualitative factors some of which may conflict. Selection of appropriate CIM alternatives is vital in manufacturing companies’ long-term competitiveness, and it requires development of selection models. The selection model must consider various quantative and qualitative objectives and constraints simultaneously. For example, companies have generally limited funds to invest in new advanced technology. The size of the allocated fund limits the types and number of CIM alternatives a company can select in a given time period. In this article, a combined model of the analytical hierarchy process and goal programming is proposed to consider multiple objectives and constraints simultaneously. A real-world example is provided to illustrate the application of the combined approach.     

Intelligent Manufacturing:Present State and Future Trends

AI methods are introduced to an increasing extent in the field of CIM and robotics. This development results in intelligent CIM components – ICAD, ICAP, ICAM, ICAQ – and in intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS) as well as in intelligent robots. This new philosophy requires a lot of prerequisites and research. ICIM or IMS is partially introduced in industry but mainly for large companies. AI as knowledge based and expert systems is ready to be introduced in an efficient way in CIM components. Intelligent, mobile robots as integrated parts of CIM and IMS are ready to be used in factory automation. One of the next steps could be the introduction of Multi-Agent and/or holonic systems. In this contribution the history and the present state of flexible manufacturing, with special emphasis on robotics, are described and further trends in development – Multi Agent Systems – are discussed mainly from the viewpoint of SMEs.     

BCL and CIM

The paper outlines the new EIA RS-494 standard, “32 Bit Binary CL exchange (BCL) input format for numerically controlled machines” and its impact on computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). The advantages and disadvantages of BCL in a CIM environment are discussed at length.     

基于CIM/SOA的校园信息系统智能集成研究

针对学校信息系统发展过程中普遍存在的信息孤岛问题,提出了基于公共信息模型(CIM)/面向服务架构(SOA)的智能集成方案,并阐述了具体的设计思路和步骤。该方法以CIM/SOA模型为基础,以Web Services和J2EE架构为实施平台,在系统使用过程中可通过自动学习等智能功能使集成系统不断自动完善。     

Applying CIM technology to image factories

Image processing allows the automation of the business transaction, turning “paper factories” into “image factories.” This burgeoning new area of computerization needs new paradigms, theories, and methods to maximize its effectiveness at cutting time and costs. This paper investigates what this new area of computerization can gain from CIM technology. It examines the similarities between the processing of computer images in a paperless business environment and the processing of materials into products in the manufacturing plant. These similarities will allow us to apply mature, well-tested CIM techniques to emerging image factories.     

CIM—the integration of manufacturing and information systems

The integration of computers within the manufacturing environment has long been a method of enhancing productivity. Their use in many facets of a manufacturing enterprise has given industries the ability to deliver low-cost, high-quality competitive products. As computer technology advances, we find more and more uses for new hardware and software in the enterprise. Over a period of time, we have seen many “islands” of computer integration. Distinct, fully functional hardware and software installations are a common base for many industries. Unfortunately, these islands are just that, separate, distinct and functional but non-integrated. The lack of integration within these information systems make it difficult for end users to see the same manufacturing data. We are finding the need for a “single image” real-time information system to provide the enterprise with the data that is required to plan, justify, design, manufacture and deliver products to the customer. Unfortunately, many industries have a large installed base of hardware and software. Replacement of current systems is not a cost-justified business decision. An alternative would be the migration of current systems to a more integrated solution. The migration to a computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)-based architecture would provide that single image real-time information system.

The effort and skills necessary for the implementation of a CIM-based architecture would require active participation from two key organizations: Manufacturing and information systems (I/S). The manufacturing engineers, process engineers and other manufacturing resource would be the cornerstone for obtaining requirements. The ability to effectively use I/S is a critical success factor in the implementation of CIM. I/S has to be viewed as an equal partner, not just as a service organization. Manufacturing management needs to understand the justification process of integrating computer systems and the “real” cost of integration versus the cost of non-integrated manufacturing systems. The active participation of both organizations during all phases of CIM implementation will result in a effective and useful integrated information system.     

An expert system framework for a CIM based quality inspection system

With today's competitive marketplace moving toward a goal of lean, error free manufacturing a need for technological change in quality decision making has arisen. One approach to this new “quality” standard involves tying quality analysis to the theory of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). In this paper a model of such a system is presented including the application of an expert system to enhance dimensional tolerancing and data analysis in quality control. Our expert system will also serve a dual role as a technological link to a CIM environment through the use of IGES computer aided design data.     

Factory environment and CIM

This contribution on the topic of factory environment and CIM is divided into two parts. The first part deals with some fundamental aspects of intelligent manufacturing systems for the new generation factories. This subject is divided into three blocks: intelligent manufacturing systems, expert systems and intelligent CAE/CAD/CAM. Based on the input-output approach, some basic requirements for IMS definition are given.

The second part deals with the problem of the factory environment and CIM, more specifically from historical aspects to the contemporary factory and some conceptual designs aspects of FMS. At the end, an example of structural pattern recognition of FMS is given.     

Manufacturing Data Analysis in Internet of Things/Internet of Data (IoT/IoD) Scenario

ABSTRACT

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) has enormous benefits as it increases the rate of production, reduces errors and production waste, and streamlines manufacturing sub-systems. However, there are some new challenges related to CIM operating in the Internet of Things/Internet of Data (IoT/IoD) scenarios associated with Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical systems. The main challenge is to deal with the massive volume of data flowing between various CIM components functioning in virtual settings of IoT. This paper proposes decisional DNA-based knowledge representation framework to manage the storage, analysis, and processing of data, information, and knowledge of a typical CIM. The framework utilizes the concept of virtual engineering object and virtual engineering process for developing knowledge models of various CIM components such as automatic storage and retrieval systems, automatic guided vehicles, robots, and numerically controlled machines. The proposed model is capable of capturing in real time the manufacturing data, information and knowledge at every stage of production, that is, at the object level, the process level, and at the factory level. The significance of this study is that it will support decision-making by reusing the experience, which will not only help in effective real-time data monitoring and processing, but also make CIM system intelligent and ready to function in the virtual Industry 4.0 environment.     

Object-oriented intelligent computer-integrated design, processplanning, and inspection

The methodology for developing intelligent integrated computer-aided design and manufacturing systems based on object-oriented principles is discussed. The ways in which the application of these principles affects the nature of these systems are reviewed. The implementation of an automated, intelligent, and flexible computer-integrated-manufacturing (CIM) system prototype using an object-oriented programming environment (Smalltalk-80, Version 4.0) is detailed. A CIM system includes CAD, a process planner, and an inspection planner. Each of these components is discussed individually     

Latest developments in CIM

Manufacturing enterprises play an important role in improving the economic environment of a country. The economic environment of many developed countries is under threat from emerging industrialised countries. Today, the capability of producing high quality products with shorter delivery times and the ability to produce according to the diverse customer requirements have become the characteristics required of order-qualifiers for manufacturing industries. Hence, application of intelligent manufacturing systems and computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) has become the necessity to overcome the above issues while retaining the employment level and revenue of a country in today's highly competitive global market. With the developments taking place in CIM and its related technologies, the application of CIM in manufacturing enterprises has become a reality. This paper focuses on latest research developments in CIM and a new CIM wheel proposed to satisfy the emerging technological application of virtual enterprises.     

Transaction exchange management systems for successful systems integration

The objective of this paper is to discuss the strategy to be taken by computerized information system managers and developers in the evolving era of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). Specifically, more concentration should be directed towards a standardized methodology for the management and handling of the transaction data which flows between two or more systems, rathr than upon the hardware and software technology used to “connect” those systems.     

Genetic algorithm for robot selection and work station assignment problem

In this paper, we introduce Genetic Algorithm (GA) for optimal Robot Selection and Work station Assignment (RS/WA) problem for a CIM system. In particular, the RS/WA problem can be considered as a generalized two-dimensional multi-type bin packing problem that has been shown to be NP-hard. A multichromosome GA combined with heuristic bin packing algorithm is implemented for solving the problem and the effeciency of proposed method is shown by numerical example. Our approach may be applicable to other this kind of bin packing problems.     

Communication problems of expert systems in manufacturing environment

Recently increasingly artificial intelligent methods are used in the computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) applications. Real-time expert system shells are good tools to develop intelligent cell controllers. The first part of this paper summarises the communication problems of the expert systems in the CIM applications in the level of connection point of view. Then a research application called SSQA are shortly described with its aims and modules. The third part explains the way of the communication in SSQA.     

An intelligent learning diagnosis system for Web-based thematic learning platform

This work proposes an intelligent learning diagnosis system that supports a Web-based thematic learning model, which aims to cultivate learners’ ability of knowledge integration by giving the learners the opportunities to select the learning topics that they are interested, and gain knowledge on the specific topics by surfing on the Internet to search related learning courseware and discussing what they have learned with their colleagues. Based on the log files that record the learners’ past online learning behavior, an intelligent diagnosis system is used to give appropriate learning guidance to assist the learners in improving their study behaviors and grade online class participation for the instructor. The achievement of the learners’ final reports can also be predicted by the diagnosis system accurately. Our experimental results reveal that the proposed learning diagnosis system can efficiently help learners to expand their knowledge while surfing in cyberspace Web-based “theme-based learning” model.     

FILIP: A fuzzy intelligent information system with learning capabilities

FILIP (fuzzy intelligent learning information processing) system is designed with the goal to model human information processing. The issues addressed are uncertain knowledge representation and approximate reasoning based on fuzzy set theory, and knowledge acquisition by “being told” or by “learning from examples”. Concepts that can be “learned” by the system can be imprecise (fuzzy), or the knowledge can be incomplete. In the latter case, FILIP uses the concept of similarity to extrapolate the knowledge to cases that were not covered by examples provided by the user. Concepts are stored in the Knowledge Base and employed in intelligent query processing, based on flexible inference that supports approximate matches between the data in the database and the query.

The architecture of FILIP is discussed, the learning algorithm is described, and examples of the system's performance in the knowledge acquisition and querying modes, together with its explanatory capabilities are shown.     

The good old days versus today: The changed hardware and software security requirements with automation

The introduction of a computer, whether it is an integral part of a larger system or not, brings with it many security problems that must be addressed. Frequently the new security needs are the results of the loss of old security measures, such as separation of duties or access control to documents, destroyed by the introduction of new equipment. Also, one must now protect the equipment from theft, environment hazards, and both careless and malicious acts of individuals.

In “the good old days” (read ten to twenty years ago), computer security was a relatively simple matter, even in a manufacturing environmental. The reason for the apparent simplicity was that the use and impact of computgers was limited. Employees learning how to use a computer could be told “Go ahead. There is nothing you can do that will really hurt anything,” with a fair chance of having been told the trut. Computers were used primarily in business (office) applications with a frew “island” out in the shop. Now, all that has changed. In generally, as computers have gotten closer to the user, security has become more of a problem. In early installations, security has a secure room. Later, users and programmrs submitted their program through a window, then went back later to pick up their results through the same window. Now, access may be from a great distance.

In the new computer integrated environment, whether in office automation or in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), the impact of bad input into a computer or the deliberate or inadvertent alteration of awhat is already in the computer can have disastrous consquences throughout the business. The acronyms crucial to the automation of the manufacturing and engineering functions (e.g., MRP, CAD, CAM, CAE, DFA, FMS, AS/RS, AGV, CIM, et al) all depends heavily upon file data interdependenc and integrity (which, in turn, depents on file security). Yet, in general, the topics of security, training in security, and the need for security tend to get short shift in industry. We belive that a formal, intense, and continuous information and training program, starting with those officers at the top of the corporation, is needed for a heavily automated company to stand the best chance of having a system that is not violated.     

A negotiation‐based service selection approach using swarm intelligence and kernel density estimation

Nowadays, the cloud computing environment is becoming a natural choice to deploy and provide Web services that meet user needs. However, many services provide the same functionality and high quality of service (QoS) but different self‐adaptive behaviors. In this case, providers' adaptation policies are useful to select services with high QoS and high quality of adaptation (QoA). Existing approaches do not take into account providers' adaptation policies in order to select services with high reputation and high reaction to changes, which is important for the composition of self‐adaptive Web services. In order to actively participate to compositions, candidate services must negotiate their self‐* capabilities. Moreover, they must evaluate the participation constraints against their capabilities specified in terms of QoS and adaptation policies. This paper exploits a variant of particle swarm optimization and kernel density estimation in the selection of service compositions and the concurrent negotiations of their QoS and QoA capabilities. Selection and negotiation processes are held between intelligent agents, which adopt swarm intelligence techniques for achieving optimal selection and optimal agreement on providers' offers. To resolve unknown autonomic behavior of candidate services, we deal with the lack of such information by predicting the real QoA capabilities of a service through the kernel density estimation technique. Experiments show that our solution is efficient in comparison with several state‐of‐the‐art selection approaches.