Manufacturing equipment control using extended regulator theory for discrete event systems

The regulator theory for finite automata was established by Gatto and Guardabusi using primarily graph-theoretic arguments. The authors have developed an algebraic extension to Gatto and Guardabusi´s results using a partial difference equation (PDE) model. Algebraic procedures have been established to determine the controllability as well as to find an optimal control sequence. A feedback control law can be obtained under the assumption of a full state observation. The conditions for the existence of a linear control law have been developed. This paper presents how these concepts can be applied to control manufacturing equipment. In this case, the system, including the plant, the control console and the controller, is modeled by finite state machines. An optimal homing sequence under an emergency stop is found. A nonlinear feedback control law is given as well