基于OCL的配置工具研究与实现

大规模定制是现代工业发展的趋势。它不但具有大规模生产的低成本优势,而且能够满足用户的个性化需求。产品配置是实现大规模定制的重要方法,实现产品配置的核心是配置工具。GPCT（Generic Product Configuration Tool）是河北工业大学创新设计研究所开发的领域无关的配置工具。它以UML表示产品配置模型,以OCL文法表达产品部件间的约束。给出了GPCT的约束维护和验证方法,并以数控立式磨床为例,介绍了GPCT的实际应用。     

An end-user approach to business process modeling

This paper discusses the main differences between humanistic and mechanistic business process modeling. While the mechanistic approach requires strict process formalization, emphasizes technical details, and constrains the modeling task to technology experts, the humanistic approach is more centered on the end-user. We developed a modeling approach and a collaborative tool supporting end-user business process modeling. Design storyboards were adopted as a paradigm for knowledge representation and visual composition. The main contributions from this research include the knowledge representation structure and a collaborative tool supporting visual composition of business process models.     

Integrated Vehicle Configuration System—Connecting the domains of mass customization

Configuration design for mass customized vehicles necessitates the coordination of customer requirements, product characteristics, production processes, and logistics networks, in order to achieve rapid response to customer orders. Existing product configurators are mainly used as sales tools, and fail to account for the requirements of the entire customer order fulfillment process. In this regard, this paper proposes an Integrated Vehicle Configuration System (IVCS) to facilitate customer order processing based on information from multiple domains in a mass customization environment. An IVCS business model is proposed to incorporate the decision factors for configuration design related to different planning stages. The business model is supported by a comprehensive ontology framework, which enhances communications between different stakeholders involved in the order fulfillment process. The configuration approach is based on combinations of selective and generative rules and can be integrated with existing ERP systems. It also provides mechanisms to handle configuration rules that allow users to convert soft preferences into product specifications, bill-of-materials, and, furthermore, into logistics configurations. An example of a computerized configuration system showcases the process from customer engineering to design and production.     

An Intelligent Tool to Support Requirements Analysis and Conceptual Design of Database Design

As an application of artificial intelligence and expert system technology to database design,this paper presents an intelligent design tool NITDT,which comprises a requirements specification language NITSL,a knowledge representation language NITKL,and an inference engine with uncertainty reasoning capability.NITDT now covers the requirements analysis and conceptual design of database design.However,it is possible to be integrated with another database design tool,NITDBA,developed also at NIT to become an integrated design tool supporting the whole process of database design.     

覆盖件产品CEG集成知识模型及表达

产品集成知识模型是对几何模型，特征模型及其相应建模技术进一步的综合和扩展，是实现产品生命周期内信息综合表达的关键，在分析覆盖件产品对象类层次的基础上，提出了几何特征，规则对象和约束方法的面向对象表达策略，建立了集成构形、工程和几何知识描述的覆盖件产品模型，利用基于STEP标准的EXPRESS语言和KBE开发语言，通过语言联编实现产品特征信息和工艺设计知识的高度集成来支持智能化工艺设计过程。     

Design and implementation of a fuzzy inference system for supporting customer requirements

Efficient and effective response to the requirements of customers is a major performance indicator. Failure to satisfy customer requirements implies operational weaknesses in a company. These weaknesses will damage both the rights of customers and the reputation of the company. The traditional method of handling customer requirement for a machine tool manufacturer was dominated by manual process and subjective decision. In this study, we improved the operation process of handling customer requirement. The framework of a customer requirement information system (CRIS) for machine tool manufacturers was then analyzed, integrating rule-based fuzzy inference and expert systems, and a prototype system developed. The CRIS supports both customers and service personnel in providing a systematic way of fulfilling and analyzing customer requirements. The system was installed and operated in a machine tool manufacturer and the performance was found promising.     

产品配置的知识表示

为按照用户的需要定制售卖产品的公司提供支持的基于知识的配置系统,产品配置器是人工智能技术的一个重要应用.本文首先描述了配置问题及其相关概念,然后分析了某些配置知识表示的优缺点,在此基础上提出了产品配置知识的图形表示方法,最后讨论了目前的一些热点研究问题.     

Implementation of rule-based information systems for integratedmanufacturing

Focuses on the development of a methodology within a software environment for automating the rule-based implementation of specifications of integrated manufacturing information systems. The specifications are initially formulated in a natural language and subsequently represented in terms of a graphical representation by the system designer. A new graphical representation tool is based on updated Petri nets (UPN) that we have developed as a specialized version of colored Petri nets. The rule-based implementation approach utilizes the similarity of features between UPN and the general rule specification language used for the implementation. The automation of the translation of UPN to the rule specification language is expected to considerably reduce the life-cycle for design and implementation of the system. The application presented deals with the control and management of information flow between the computer-aided design, process planning, manufacturing resource planning and shop floor control databases. This provides an integrated information framework for computer integrated manufacturing systems     

Customer complaints monitoring with customer review data analytics: An integrated method of sentiment and statistical process control analyses

This study presents a data-driven method to monitor customer complaints for efficient service quality management. Recognising the value of customer reviews as a pool of 'voice of the customer', we propose an integrated method of sentiment and statistical process control analyses. The use of customer review data for statistical process control analysis extends the scope of research and application from the supplier perspective to customer-centric service quality management. The sentiment analysis enables systematic identification of a customer satisfaction score from customer review data while the statistical process control chart analysis allows early detection of significant customer complaints and prevents service failures. The integration of two analyses makes it possible to monitor customer complaints at acceptable time and cost. We applied and validated the proposed method using a mobile game service, offering a guideline for its implementation and customisation. The proposed method is expected to be used as an effective tool for customer complaints monitoring over time, which enables responsive and preventive quality management.     

Data/knowledge representation of modular robot and its working environment

This paper reports a work towards automating the design of a modular robot in the manufacturing environment. As the first as well as the most important step, a data model or data representation of all the design related information needs to be developed. This paper discusses the data representation of information needed for the computer to automatically generate a suitable modular robot configuration. A modular robot is supposed to work in a manufacturing assembly environment. Therefore, the collection of the information needed starts from such an environment. The information is further derived based on a proposed architecture of the computer-aided system for generating a modular robot configuration, which is based on two theories, i.e., cased-based reasoning and function-behaviour-structure (FBS). As a consequence, an integrated data representation of both modular robot and its environment is proposed and discussed in this paper. The integrated data representation also implies that function, behaviour and structure are related to a modular robot (as well as modular joint) are represented in the computer. EXPRESS data modelling language is used to complete the modelling work, and is found necessary for complex systems. A case study has been provided to show the capability of the developed data representations.     

A constraint satisfaction approach to resolving product configuration conflicts

Product configuration is an essential means for selecting various components to constitute a customized product with the aim of meeting the individualized requirements of a customer. Nevertheless, configuration conflicts may occur when too strict requirements of the customer are given and thus any configuration cannot be found to satisfy the customer requirements. In this situation, it is vital important for a product configurator to recommend the corrective actions for generating valid configurations. In this paper, we present a method of applying constraint satisfaction to resolve product configuration conflicts. In the presented approach, the configuration conflict problem is encoded as a CSP (constraint satisfaction problem). Therefore, the resolution to the configuration conflict problem can be regarded as solving a CSP. As a consequence, corrective actions such as removing selected components or adding new components are suggested by the system. In the case of multiple resolving strategies, a multi-objective decision model is adopted to find the optimal repair strategy according to customer preferences. A computer configuration is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approach.     

Extended object model for product configuration design

This paper presents an extended object model for case-based reasoning (CBR) in product configuration design. In the extended object model, a few methods of knowledge expression are adopted, such as constraints, rules, objects, etc. On the basis of extended object model, case representation model for CBR is applied to product configuration design system. The product configuration knowledge can be represented by the extended object. The model can support all the processes of CBR in product configuration design, such as case representation, indexing, retrieving, and case revising. The presented model is an extension of the traditional object-oriented model by including the relationship class used to express the relation between the cases, constraints class used in the product configuration knowledge representation, index class used in case retrieving, and solution class used in case revising. Therefore, the product configuration knowledge used in the product configuration design can be represented by using this model. In the end, a metering pump product configuration design system is developed on the basis of the proposed product configuration model to support customized products.     

Pconfig: a Web-based configuration tool for Configure-To-Order products

Pconfig is a modern Web-based constraint system managing the complex configuration requirements of one product range from a specific computer manufacturer. The range spans multiple CPU types, Operating Systems, Option cards and all the diverse multi-way relationships found in the assembly of complex computers.A principled approach to configuration was adopted from the outset with special attention given to ongoing product enhancement. Computer Parts and Engineering Constraints are separated in this unique configuration engine allowing each to be updated independently; typically by different people. The complex modelling essential in capturing multi-way relationships is dealt with by coding configuration information using a tool boasting a patented pattern-matching algorithm. This highly versatile rules-based, object-orientated development tool encouraged the simplification of a potentially difficult and complex problem into a relatively straightforward and extensible system.This online configuration system goes live on the Digital customer Web pages early next year. Future enhancements to Pconfig includes a parts editor, a constraints editor and ordering methods allowing users to place orders not only by part numbers, but also system functions and system benefits.     

An integrated approach for rating engineering characteristics’ final importance in product-service system development

Product-service system (PSS) approach has emerged as a competitive strategy to impel manufacturers to offer a set of product and services as a whole. A three-domain PSS conceptual design framework based on quality function deployment (QFD) is proposed in this research. QFD is a widely used design tool considering customer requirements (CRs). Since both product and services influence satisfaction of customer, they should be designed simultaneously. Identification of the critical parameters in these domains plays an important role. Engineering characteristics (ECs) in the functional domain include product-related ECs (P-ECs) and service-related ECs (S-ECs). ECs are identified by translating customer requirements (CRs) in the customer domain. Rating ECs’ importance has a great impact on achieving an optimal PSS planning. The rating problem should consider not only the requirements of customer, but also the requirements of manufacturer. From the requirements of customer, the analytic network process (ANP) approach is integrated in QFD to determine the initial importance weights of ECs considering the complex dependency relationships between and within CRs, P-ECs and S-ECs. In order to deal with the vagueness, uncertainty and diversity in decision-making, the fuzzy set theory and group decision-making technique are used in the super-matrix approach of ANP. From the requirements of manufacturer, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is applied to adjust the initial weights of ECs taking into account business competition and implementation difficulty. A case study is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed integrated approach for prioritizing ECs in PSS conceptual design.     

Integration of multiple knowledge representation for classification problems

This paper describes an approach to integrating various knowledge representations for classification problems. Knowledge representation forms have been analysed. The analysis shows that representation suitability depends on a given situation. Therefore, multiple representation form capability and form conversion capability are both necessary to support developing knowledge bases for wide application areas. A classification problem tool, called HOLON/VP(DT), has been developed with the aim of providing experts with the integrated knowledge representation capability. A knowledge base can be represented in a tabular form, a rule form and a tree form. Form conversion can be accomplished at all times. With this integrated representation, an expert is able to build a knowledge base using the most appropriate form.     

Consistency-based diagnosis of configuration knowledge bases

Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging process of such knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing configuration knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during configuration sessions.A prototype implementation using commercial constraint-based configurator libraries shows the feasibility of diagnosis within the tight time bounds of interactive debugging sessions. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the outcomes of the diagnostic process in different scenarios.     

面向MC的客户群体倾向模型

面向大规模定制生产，建立了客户倾向模型，通过关联分析法量化市场调研和客户需求，采用最大树模糊聚类法进行基于属性重要度的客户群体划分和市场细分，获取客户群体消费倾向，为客户需求的工程特征转换、进行产品簇规划提供数学准备和数据支持。     

Design of a feature-based order acceptance and scheduling module in an ERP system

Customer-oriented manufacturing competes on timely responses to customer requirements, and precise scheduling control for delivery. This challenge demands engineering design and production planning to be fully integrated via advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This paper proposes a generic feature association method and a detailed framework that can unify product and process models in order to satisfy customer orders with small batch sizes and high variations. A conceptual solution is introduced by integrating two traditionally separate feature domains: design configuration features and manufacturing process features. To achieve the proposed method, a customer feature class is suggested for the characterization of customers’ profiles related to the manufacturer. An instantiated customer feature object functionally tracks each customer’s selection of product configurations related to its requirements, specific orders, and production schedules with dynamic associations to the live manufacturing capacity. With the new associative integration method, a preliminary order acceptance system (OAS) prototype system has been implemented within an ERP order management system and its conceptual structure model is demonstrated within a multi-facet feature framework.     

面向客户集成的产品网络化定制模式研究

生产力及社会需求的发展驱动了人类生产模式的变革。客户是企业激烈争夺的生存资源,蕴含着巨大的创新力。提出了一种面向客户集成的产品网络化定制(NCFC)应用模式,以集成客户创意,提高企业新产品开发能力,同时增强企业获得和保持客户的能力。客户是该应用模式的核心要素之一,对客户对象进行了深入研究,不同的客户,应采用不同的客户集成策略。建立了NCFC的业务过程模型,强调了该应用模式与企业内部工程设计分系统、管理信息系统、制造分系统集成的重要性。建立了以客户、制造商为角色主体的运行模式,并适用于多层定制的情形。