Implementation of a dynamic scheduler for apparel computer integrated manufacturing systems

A major problem faced by the typical apparel manufacturer in day-to-day operations is the need for an effective scheduler to determine actions required because of operator and/or machine non-performance. The dynamic resource allocation system (DRAS) scheduler described in this paper is the natural outgrowth of previously funded research related to the design, development, technology transfer and installation of a CIM system in an apparel plant. The already developed CIM system provides a way for the DRAS scheduler (described in this paper) to change a production process dynamically. The implementation and modeling approach of the scheduler is described. The underlying system model is based on Petri nets and object-oriented databases. Petri nets provide a dynamic model of the CIM system, while object-oriented databases provide necessary information about system components and overall system activity. The data from the CIM system is used by the scheduler in the simulation mode. The daily production plan is used as a guideline to determine how to react to and correct production problems.     

Transitioning from tactical to strategic planning in computer integrated manufacturing

This paper describes a strategic manufacturing planning software system which is presently being developed to guide the planning, development and absorption of computer integrated manufacturing within manufacturing operations.     

Organizing for computer integrated manufacturing

Good organizational structure design is increasingly important in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) environments. It can reduce problems due to the changing roles of organizational units and information technologies. This paper presents observations about organizational structures for CIM and discusses the basic approaches. An initial framework for evaluating CIM organizational structures is proposed and is used to evaluate the basic structures.     

Intelligent knowledge based expert inventory control system for computer integrated manufacturing

The paper discusses the framework and development of an expert inventory management system for integrative manufacturing planning. The system developed with an artificial intelligent language provides a linkage between management and computer-integrated manufacturing(CIM), has the following major elements: data base to represent a hierarchical tree using recursive objects on different levels; knowledge base containing heuristic rules; goal oriented interaction; and backtracking interface procedures. Potential benefits of the system includes: better manufacturing planning, reduced inventory levels and production lead times, and consistent inventory control records.     

Using computer controlled physical models to analyze computer integrated manufacturing systems

It is usually difficult to design and install complex computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems without a large amount of time spent on debugging. In many cases miniature computer controlled physical models can provide information that reduces the time spent in the design and installation of larger systems. This paper describes how miniature physical models can be used to help industrial engineers design and install CIM systems.     

Batch production control in a computer integrated manufacturing environment

Since unit level control systems have already been widely implemented in the chemical industry, it has become abundantly clear that the next levels of application lie in supervisory control and scheduling. This is particularly true for the chemical processing industry, operating batchwise with multi-product and multi-purpose characteristics. A ‘flexible schedule’ (FLESCHE) concept providing the link between operations scheduling and the recipe-driven batch operatioon with its basic instrumentation and control system is being developed and implemented in a computer integrated manufacturing environment. The FLESCHE system incorporates an integrated decision-making framework which includes all the relevant decision functions in a multi-level hierarchy: optimal plant-wide resources coordination, demand management, plant-wide operations scheduling and plant retrofitting on the one hand, as well as master recipe adaptation, batch rerouting and schedule adaptation in response to short-time, unplanned operational disturbances, on the other. A summary of the main characteristics, methodology and present applications of the system is provided. Actual limitations and future extensions are also discussed.     

A feedforward multi-layer neural network for machine cell formation in computer integrated manufacturing

Neural-network applications have been one of the better alternatives either for simulating massive data in parallel, or embedding human subjective decisions into existing quantitative models, thereby spawning a qualitative model. This paper introduces a linear classifier with a classical feedforward neural network in forming machine cells or groups for Computer Integrated Manufacturing. The proposed method, through experiment, has been proven to outperform conventional methods such as Part Family Analysis (PFA) and BLOCPLAN, among others. A single-layer perceptron, along with multi-layer feedforward network where applicable, have been employed in forming the part families. The underlying philosophy is the Group Technology (GT). The developed models and algorithms are illustrated with a numerical example.     

Learning process in a class of computer integrated manufacturing systems with parametric uncertainties

The paper is concerned with a class of manufacturing processes described by a relational knowledge representation containing unknown parameters. Two kinds of the manufacturing processes with different structures of material and task flow are considered. For these kinds the algorithms of learning and control for the central decision support computer system integrating the manufacturing process are presented. The learning process consists in using the results of step by step knowledge validation and updating to the determination of the current control decisions. The idea of learning described in the paper may be considered as a generalization of the known concept of the adaptive control using the results of current identification. Simple illustrative examples, results of simulations for a simple case and additional remarks concerning related problems are included.     

消耗链模型在钢铁企业计算机集成制造系统中的应用研究

结合钢铁企业生产过程中投入产出的特点,提出了消耗链的概念,给出了消耗链模型的相关计算公式;建立了消耗链与计算机集成制造系统的集成关系;运用面向对象的建模思想,建立了消耗链模型和计算机集成制造系统的面向对象模型和信息模型;具体分析了消耗链模型在物料需求计划的应用.最后结合企业实例,说明该模型的有效性和实用性.     

Strategies for planning and implementation of flexible fixturing systems in a computer integrated manufacturing environment

In general, for any manufacturing operation to be successful, parts must be located and held to remain in position and orientation when subjected to external forces during the manufacturing operations. The traditional approach to fixturing involves designing and manufacturing special-purpose fixtures. These fixtures are generally dedicated devices designed and manufactured for specific parts and manufacturing operations. Flexible fixturing technology involves employing a single fixturing system to hold workpieces of various shapes and sizes. Such systems have reached the embryonic stage of implementation into manufacturing environment. Therefore the integration of current and future flexible fixturing systems into the manufacturing processes becomes an important issue for future work in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) environment.

The approach to CIM is dependent on the functional model of the company. Therefore, the implementation of any sub-systems within it must be studied on an individual basis. However, in order to plan and implement new technologies, such as flexible fixturing systems, within CIM environment, certain requirements must be met and guidelines must be followed. The strategies for planning and implementation of flexible fixturing systems within the larger frame work of CIM environment are presented. Some guidelines for designing and developing the interconnection of the data bases are also discussed.     

Advanced material handling system for computer integrated manufacturing

A cordless linear synchronous motor (LSM) material handling system for CIM has been developed. The system incorporates a courier that moves without tether restrictions. This provides for an automated material handling system with improved travel and flexibility. The material handling system runs on an integrated reverse air bearing system which eliminates friction and backlash. The proposed system forms part of a manufacturing assembly, interacting with overhead manipulators and part feeders to form a comprehensive production system. The design and implementation of the cordless linear motor material handling system (MHS) is outlined and described in the paper.     

Generation of alternative process plans in integrated manufacturing systems

The availability of alternative process plans is a key factor for integration of design, process planning, and scheduling functions. The availability of alternative process plans can speed up the process of incremental process plan generation which can help in providing real time cost feed back to the designer after each design modification. Also alternative process plans relax the constraints in the optimization of production schedules, which in turn results in more efficient use of production resources and better delivery schedules. This paper describes a methodology for generation of alternative process plans in the integrated manufacturing environment. The procedure consists of: selection of alternative machining processes, clustering and sequencing of machining processes, and generation of a process plan network. Each of these steps is explained in detail. The result of the procedure is the process plan network that provides all alternative process plans for the given part. Methods for the selection of an optimal process plan are also described. Computational complexity of the procedure is discussed and experimental results on several realistic examples are shown.     

Object oriented concepts and mechanisms for feature-based computer integrated inspection

Computer vision can provide fast, accurate and reliable inspection. In this paper is described a knowledge-based vision inspection planning system for manufactured components based on their CAD design models. An object oriented methodology is developed to capture the knowledge such as the geometric entities, their relationships, sensors and plans. Reasoning mechanisms are developed to automatically determine various attributes of the different features of an object to be inspected, and to generate the alternative strategies for inspection of each attribute. Mechanisms for automated generation of sensor settings and optimization of the inspection plan are also developed. Sensor constraints are considered in determining the camera parameters. This inspection methodology is flexible, and it is easily integrated with the design and process planning aspects of an integrated manufacturing system.     

A new error handling algorithm for controller area network in networked control system

An effective error handling mechanism plays an important role to ensure the reliability and robustness of the application of controller area network (CAN) in controlling dynamic systems. This paper addresses a new online error handling approach or named per-sample-error-counting (PSeC) technique that tends to replace native error handling protocol in controller area network (CAN). The mechanism is designed to manage transmission errors of both sensor and control data in networked control system (NCS) used in controlling dynamic system such that the stability of the feedback system is preserved. A new parameter denoted as maximum allowable number of error burst (MAEB) is introduced in which MAEB is selected based on available bandwidth of the CAN network. MAEB serves as the maximum number of attempt of re-transmission of erroneous data per sample which allows the maximum transmission period to be known and guaranteed for time-critical control system. The efficacy of the proposed method is verified by applying the algorithm on the fourth order inverted pendulum system simulated on Matlab/Truetime simulator and the performance is benchmarked with the existing CAN error management protocol. The simulation run under various systems conditions demonstrate that the proposed method results in superior system performance in handling data transmission error as well as meeting control system requirement.     

CAN总线在汽车轮胎监测系统中的应用设计

针对当前独立的汽车轮胎监测系统存在的弊端提出一种新的实现方案,动态监测汽车各轮胎的参数,并把动态参数通过CAN总线传输到汽车驾驶室仪表上,实现汽车轮胎故障预警功能.该方案增加了系统的可靠性、灵活性,扩展了汽车轮胎压力监测系统的使用场合,在大型车辆的安全系统中有很高的实用价值.     

单个CAN控制器的双总线冗余网络实现

提出了一种新的双CAN总线冗余网络拓扑,其每个CAN节点只需一个CAN控制器和模拟多路开关,当一条总线上出现短路或断路等故障致使通讯不能正常进行时,系统可自动切换到另一条无故障的总线上继续工作,使总线通讯的可靠性得到大大提高。另外,系统还可对总线上的节点进行周期性的查询,及时发现节点故障。对实验系统的测试结果表明,该系统动作可靠,方案可行,成本低廉,便于实现。     

Intelligent setup planning in manufacturing by neural networks based approach

Setup planning is considered the most significant but also difficult activity in Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP), and has a strong impact on manufacturability, product quality and production cost. Indeed, setup planning activity deserves much attention in CAPP. The setup planning in manufacturing consists mainly of three steps, namely, setup generation, operation sequence, and setup sequence. In this paper, the Kohonen self-organizing neural networks and Hopfield networks are adopted to solve such problems in setup planning efficiently. Kohonen self-organizing neural networks are utilized, according to the nature of the different steps in setup planning, to generate setups in terms of the constraints of fixtures/jigs, approach directions, feature precedence relationships, and tolerance relationships. The operation sequence problem and the setup sequence problem are mapped onto the traveling salesman problem, and are solved by Hopfield neural networks. This paper actually provides a complete research basis to solve the setup planning problem in CAPP, and also develops the most efficient neural networks based approaches to solve the setup planning problem in manufacturing. Indeed, the results of the proposed approaches work towards the optimal solution to the intelligent setup planning in manufacturing.     

制造/再制造集成物流网络的优化设计研究

考虑到闭环物流系统中不同周期内各消费区域的产品需求数量、回收产品质量的不确定性,建立了多周期、有能力限制、正逆向物流集成运作的混合整数非线性规划模型。以总运营成本最少为目标,确定了制造/再制造集成物流系统中各种设施的数量、规模、位置以及各设施间的物流量分以配。通过算例验证了模型的有效性。     

基于计算机网络对抗的僵尸网络研究与进展*

阐述僵尸网络的研究状况,给出其基本定义、结构和实现过程。通过Agobot实例分析,提出将僵尸网络纳入计算机网络对抗体系之中的观点。基于计算机网络对抗理论抽象出整个僵尸网络的概念模型,对模型中功能的实现进行探讨。指出僵尸网络研究中存在的问题与进一步研究的建议。