Generic resource models and a message-passing structure in an FMS controller

This paper presents part of the results from a research project aimed at increasing flexibility and reusability of cell-control software. First to be discussed are the concept of flexibility and the advantages and disadvantages of various types of modular controllers. Then guidelines, generic models that describe the behavior of manufacturing resources, and a message-passing structure are given. The guidelines and the models should be used as the basis to support system developers when implementing modular control software for machining cells. The two main case studies examined to achieve the models are also briefly described