Web-based Distributed Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) Monitoring and Control Student: Wei Liu Instructor: Dr. Chang Apr. 23, 2003

Agenda Introduction Research Objective Approach Conclusions

Introduction  A flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is one manufacturing machine or multiple machines which are integrated by an automated material handling system, whose operation is managed by a computerized control system.  Next-generation FMS should be agile and flexible.  Advancements in Internet technology have made possible new and innovative methods for the remote connectivity and control of FMSs.

A Typical FMS System

Research Objective Develop an Internet-based monitoring and control system for flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) that aims to address the issues such as open architecture design and integration, socket connection and three-level heterogeneous client/server communication and control.

 Extendibility  Interchangeability  Scalability  Portability  Interoperability  Consistency Open Architecture Criteria

 Client/Server Model and Heterogeneity Fusion  Object-Oriented Method and Component Model  Distributed Dynamic Integration and Function Reorganization Technologies and Methodologies for the Design of Open Architecture Systems

Three-level Heterogeneous Client/Server Framework

Component Model-based Interfaces

Monitoring & Control Function Interface

Internet Connectivity & Communication Interface

Connectivity Scheme  Connectivity Scheme for the FMS and the Web Server Communication Control: Serial communication (RS232C)  Connectivity Scheme for the Web Server and the client: (TCP)-based socket layer connection

The Authentication Process

Configuration of the Prototype System 1. The Central CIM Computer  Application Modules: RS232 communication, FMS monitoring & control  Development Platform: Borland C++, ACL  System Platform: DOS, ACL shell 2. The Web Server  Application Modules: RS232 communication (server side module), Security management (server side module), Security control (client & server sides modules), Socket control (client & server sides modules)  Development Platform: Visual C++, Visual Basic, Cosmo Code Java Platform  System Platform: Windows NT, Internet Information Server

A Snapshot of the Prototype System in Run

Conclusions  The open architecture design makes it easier for application systems to be extended and scaled.  The client/server model with heterogeneity fusion is an effect approach by which designers can focus on the picture of the entire system frame and not just the individual components.  The three-level heterogeneous framework, with the function control interface and the Internet connectivity and communication interface, considerably improves the implementation performance of the system on several major aspects: security, speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Questions?