Propositional Logic Constraint Patterns and Their Use in UML-Based Conceptual Modeling and Analysis

An important conceptual modeling activity in the development of database, object-oriented and agent-oriented systems is the capture and expression of domain constraints governing underlying data and object states. UML is increasingly used for capturing conceptual models, as it supports conceptual modeling of arbitrary domains, and has extensible notation allowing capture of invariant constraints both in the class diagram notation and in the separately denoted OCL syntax. However, a need exists for increased formalism in constraint capture that does not sacrifice ease of use for the analyst. In this paper, we codify a set of invariant patterns formalized for capturing a rich category of propositional constraints on class diagrams. We use tools of Boolean logic to set out the distinction between these patterns, applying them in modeling by way of example. We use graph notation to systematically uncover constraints hidden in the diagrams. We present data collected from applications across different domains, supporting the importance of "pattern-finding" for n-variable propositional constraints using general graph theoretic methods. This approach enriches UML-based conceptual modeling for greater completeness, consistency, and correctness by formalizing the syntax and semantics of these constraint patterns, which has not been done in a comprehensive manner before now     

Formal model of human material-handling tasks for control of manufacturing systems

To achieve an effective integration framework for manufacturing systems, a formal model of a system is highly desired. In spite of significant work on automated manufacturing systems, human operators still play a critical role in virtually every system, especially for material-handling processes. To build a model for control and analysis of a system where a human operator is integrated, a formal functional specification of a human material handler (MH) is presented in a hierarchical framework. Two types of human operational errors associated with material-handling tasks are also classified and discussed. A shop floor control example is provided to illustrate the proposed modeling framework.     

机构虚拟设计平台的研究与开发

以胶印机的机构设计为背景,提出了一个集成化的机构虚拟设计平台的体系结构,介绍了基于功能分解的机构概念设计,描述了构造装配模板实现概念模型与装配结构模型间的映射,并阐述了机构设计中的分析与评价等问题。     

The challenge of conceptual modeling for product–service systems: status-quo and perspectives for reference models and modeling languages

Confronted with decreasing margins and a rising customer demand for integrated solutions, manufacturing companies integrate complementary services into their portfolio. Offering value bundles (consisting of services and physical goods) takes place in integrated product–service systems, spanning the coordinated design and delivery of services and physical goods for customers. Conceptual Modeling is an established approach to support and guide such efforts. Using a framework for the design and delivery of value bundles as an analytical lens, this study evaluates the current support of reference models and modeling languages for setting up conceptual models for an integrated design and delivery of value bundles. Consecutively, designing modeling languages and reference models to fit the requirements of conceptual models in product–service systems are presented as upcoming challenges in Service Research. To guide further research, first steps are proposed by exemplarily integrating reference models and modeling languages stemming from the service and manufacturing domains.     

A web services-based approach to develop a networked information integration service platform for gear enterprise

In order to deal with the problems of information integration and data sharing across distributed heterogeneous application systems in gear enterprises, it is imperative to build up a high quality information integration platform. Web Services, an emerging form of service-oriented architecture (SOA) for distributed computing, have the potential to serve as a key enabling technology to integrate heterogeneous systems under the distributed environment. This paper presents a novel information integration service platform which offers better support for the networked manufacturing of gear enterprise by taking full advantage of technologies of SOA and Web services. In this paper, the information integrated operation mode of gear enterprise networked manufacturing is deeply analyzed and the functional architecture of the networked information integration service platform is proposed. Furthermore, the application integrated framework of gear enterprise is constructed and the software architecture of the service platform is implemented in the .NET environment. Finally, an actual application example of hypoid gear networked manufacturing is provided to demonstrate the practicability of the proposed platform.     

A collaborative and integrated platform to support distributed manufacturing system using a service-oriented approach based on cloud computing paradigm

Today's manufacturing enterprises struggle to adopt cost-effective manufacturing systems. Overview of the recent manufacturing enterprises shows that successful global manufacturing enterprises have distributed their manufacturing capabilities over the globe. The successes of global manufacturing enterprises depend upon the entire worldwide integration of their product development processes and manufacturing operations that are distributed over the globe. Distributed manufacturing agents' collaboration and manufacturing data integrity play a major role in global manufacturing enterprises' success. There are number of works, conducted to enable the distributed manufacturing agents to collaborate with each other. To achieve the manufacturing data integrity through manufacturing processes, numbers of solutions have been proposed which one of the successful solutions is to use ISO 10303 (STEP) standard. However, adopting this standard one can recognize antonym effects of integration and collaboration approaches that weaken both integration and collaboration capabilities of manufacturing agents. In our latest work, we had developed an integrated and collaborative manufacturing platform named LAYMOD. Albeit the platform in question was through enough to be applied in various collaborative and integrated CAx systems, its embedded structure hampers its application for collaboration in distributed manufacturing systems. To achieve an integrated and collaborative platform for distributed manufacturing agents, this paper proposes a service-oriented approach. This approach is originated from cloud computing paradigm known as one of the technologies which enables a major transformation in manufacturing industry. Also, to maintain the product data integration based on the STEP standard, a new service-oriented approach is proposed. This approach is in parallel to the new capability of the STEP standard for supporting XML data structures. The result is a new platform named XMLAYMOD. XMLAYMOD is able to support distributed manufacturing collaboration and data integration based on the STEP standard. The different aspects of this platform to fulfill the requirements of distributed collaboration and also to overcome the lacks of the STEP standard are discussed through a brief case study.     

基于映射分解的产品开发过程建模技术研究

研究了通过映射推演进行面向集成的产品开发过程建模问题。阐明了逐步建立与细化产品开发过程映射模型,实现对产品开发过程进行描述、分析的建模原理;提出了通过引入通用产品信息模型实现产品开发过程的集成化与通用化的模式。最后结合行业知识说明了该建模方法的应用,并验证了建模方法的可行性。该项研究为解决企业在产品开发过程建模问题提供了一条可行的途径。     

基于UML的车间制造过程信息化系统建模①

车间制造过程信息化系统是支撑车间制造过程运作的信息化平台,是制造企业管理决策与设备执行之间的信息桥梁,并兼有车间生产运作的信息化管理功能。采用面向对象分析设计方法,在分析了车间制造过程信息化系统的业务流程的基础上,使用UML建模工具建立了概念模型、用例模型、动态模型和物理模型。     

面向事实的概念建模方法研究综述

领域概念知识建模是构建信息系统分析的关键技术和任务之一,同时也是知识工程的瓶颈问题,其难点在于如何正确完整地捕捉和验证领域专家的知识。ER和UML等有属性特性的建模方法能够很好地描述领域知识,但却难以让领域专家确认知识的正确性和完整性。面向事实的信息建模(FOM)是一种完全面向自然语言交流的领域概念知识建模方法,是一种理想的概念建模和本体工程辅助工具。简要分析了概念建模过程,比较了不同概念建模方法,介绍了FOM的技术演化过程,从业务规则、动态建模、模型抽象机制、模型转换和工程应用等方面评述了FOM的研究现状和待研究问题。     

A meta-process model for the planned development of integrated systems

Maturity of technologies from one side and customers' demands from the other side have led to the need to develop increasingly large and complex systems. The problem we face is to structure the development of these types of systems and the systems themselves in a useful way and to support the development process from its conceptual foundation to its tool aspect.We believe that we must take one step beyond the current software engineering methodology to be able to cope with this task. What we propose is a framework, a meta-process model, that allows one to develop in a flexible but integrated manner a distributed, open, and integrated system with a planned approach. Based on the premise that the main factor is to build a common culture of understanding and conceptual thinking in an application domain, we suggest an additional level of coordination and modeling above the various development projects. In analyzing this two-leveled process model, we identify the major processes and models involved. While we focus on the process model itself, we discuss also in some more depth the two major concepts of domain analysis and integration architecture design as they relate to our approach. A strategy for realizing the meta-process model based on the notion of Application Machines is described.     

Conceptual and ontological modeling in information systems

Conceptual modeling of a subject domain, which produces its conceptual model, is an important stage in designing information systems. In recent years, much attention in the development of such systems has been given to reusing information resources and to providing access to them at the semantic level. Methods and technologies of ontological modeling have lately been under intensive development. In this paper, problems and preconditions of conceptual modeling of the subject domain in database technologies and information systems are discussed. Various approaches to conceptual modeling, conceptual modeling languages, and the respective tools are considered, various interpretations of the role of the conceptual model of the subject domain are discussed, and the current state of conceptual modeling tools produced by software industry is assessed. The relationships between the conceptual schemas of the subject domain and ontologies are analyzed and their similarities and differences are described. Terminological issues and the directions of research in the field of conceptual and ontological modeling are considered. An extensive list of references is given.     

A data-driven generic simulation model for logistics-embedded assembly manufacturing lines

Simulation has been used to evaluate various aspects of manufacturing systems. However, building a simulation model of a manufacturing system is time-consuming and error-prone because of the complexity of the systems. This paper introduces a generic simulation modeling framework to reduce the simulation model build time. The framework consists of layout modeling software and a data-driven generic simulation model. The generic simulation model was developed considering the processing as well as the logistics aspects of assembly manufacturing systems. The framework can be used to quickly develop an integrated simulation model of the production schedule, operation processes and logistics of a system. The framework was validated by developing simulation models of cellular and conveyor manufacturing systems.     

Integrated product and process designenvironment tool for manufacturing T/R modules

We present a decision-making assistant tool for an integrated product and process design environment for manufacturing applications. Specifically, we target microwave modules that use electro-mechanical components and require optimal solutions to reduce cost, improve quality, and gain leverage in time to market the product. This tool will assist the product and process designer to improve their productivity and enable them to cooperate and coordinate their designs through a common design interface. We consider a multiobjective optimization model that determines components and processes for a given conceptual design for microwave modules. This model outputs a set of solutions that the Pareto optimal concerning cost, quality, and other metrics. In addition, we identify system integration issues for manufacturing applications, and propose an architecture that will serve as a building block to our continuing research in virtual manufacturing applications.     

A UML-based object-oriented approach for design and simulation of a drug delivery system

Given complexity of the design and manufacturing processes of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) products, we present a unified modeling language (UML) based design approach for multi-domain products or systems like MEMS to designing and evaluating possible solutions at the early design stage to shorten their development time. Specifically, the proposed approach is used to model and analyze a novel drug delivery system combining MEMS devices and integrated circuit (IC) units. This drug delivery system aims to be used for safer and more effective therapy of the diabetics. Two design models about the whole drug delivery system and its micropump subsystem are established using UML diagrams; in particular a composition diagram with components and ports describes the topology of the system. Through design and simulation on the micropump subsystem, it is found that the variations of geometrical dimension and excitation voltage affect the characterization of the micropump. The simulation results demonstrate and validate the proposed approach, and can be used as a significant reference for the designer to design the optimal micropump.     

Preliminary design and manufacturing planning integration using web-based intelligent agents

Software agents have been increasingly used in the product and process development in industry over the past years due to the rapid evolvement of the Internet technology. This paper describes agents for the integration of conceptual design and process planning. Agents provide mechanisms to interact with each other. This mechanism is important since both of those processes involve negotiations for optimization. A set of design and planning software agents has been developed. These agents are used in a computer-based collaborative environment, called a multi-agent platform. The main purpose of developing such a platform is to support product preliminary design, optimize product form and structure, and reduce the manufacturing cost in the early design stage. The agents on the platform have access to a knowledge base that contains design and planning rules. These rules are derived from an analysis of design factors that influence process and resource planning, such as product material, form, shape complexity, features, dimension, tolerance, surface condition, production volume, and production rate. These rules are used by process planning agents to provide process planners with information regarding selecting preliminary manufacturing processes, determining manufacturing resources, and constructing feedback information to product designers. Additionally, the agents communicate with WEB servers, and they are accessible by users through Internet browsers. During performing design and planning tasks, agents access the data pertinent to design and manufacturing processes by the programming interfaces of existing computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing system. The agents are supported by a developed prototype agent platform. The agents and the platform enable the information exchange among agents, based on a previously developed integrated design and manufacturing process object model.     

Modeling and implementation of a digital twin of material flows based on physics simulation

Cyber-physical production systems enable adaptivity and flexibility when manufacturing customized products in small batches. Due to varying routes and a high variance of workpieces, material flows in cyber-physical production systems can get highly complex, which can lead to physically induced disturbances that can result in accidents or decreased throughput and high costs. This issue can be addressed by applying a physics engine to simulate the physical interaction between workpieces and the material handling systems during the operation. Connecting such a digital model to a real material handling system in order to derive simulation-based decision support leads to the concept of digital twins. To date, few practical implementations of digital twins in manufacturing outside the machine tool domain were reported. Therefore, this paper describes the modeling and the subsequent implementation of an integrated system that consists of a real material handling system and its digital twin, based on physics simulation. A practical use case demonstrates the versatile advantages of the implemented solution for a manufacturing system with respect to the three digital twin functions prediction, monitoring and diagnosis.     

Smart manufacturing process and system automation – A critical review of the standards and envisioned scenarios

Smart manufacturing is arriving. It promises a future of mass-producing highly personalized products via responsive autonomous manufacturing operations at a competitive cost. Of utmost importance, smart manufacturing requires end-to-end integration of intra-business and inter-business manufacturing processes and systems. Such end-to-end integration relies on standards-compliant and interoperable interfaces between different manufacturing stages and systems. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the current landscape of manufacturing automation standards, with a focus on end-to-end integrated manufacturing processes and systems towards mass personalization and responsive factory automation. First, we present an authentic vision of smart manufacturing and the unique needs for next-generation manufacturing automation. A comprehensive review of existing standards for enabling manufacturing process automation and manufacturing system automation is presented. Subsequently, focusing on meeting changing demands of efficient production of highly personalized products, we detail several future-proofing manufacturing automation scenarios via integrating various existing standards. We believe that existing automation standards have provided a solid foundation for developing smart manufacturing solutions. Faster, broader and deeper implementation of smart manufacturing automation can be anticipated via the dissemination, adoption, and improvement of relevant standards in a need-driven approach.     

Modeling and IT Perspectives on Supply Chain Integration

The essence of supply chain management is integrated planning of activities across the firm's supply chain, including those of its suppliers and customers. Integrated planning refers to functional, geographical and inter-temporal coordination of managerial decisions. It requires and invokes modeling systems and processes that support data-driven or fact-based planning. A major challenge is to understand how to seamlessly imbed modeling systems in the firm's information technology. This paper examines five perspectives on these connections.