A Computer Architecture for Small Batch Manufacturing

Published

January 1, 1983

Author(s)

Charles R. McLean, Mary Mitchell, Edward J. Barkmeyer Jr.

Abstract

A control system architecture for three-axes coordinate-measuring machines, using hierarchical task-decomposition techniques, is described. This architecture is based on real- time, sensory-interactive control concepts developed at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). An inspection program consists of a series of high-level goals to be satisfied. Goal are satisfied when specified information has been obtained regarding the part. There is a decision hierarchy, each level of which provides logic for partially decomposing goals into simpler goals. The control system executes the inspection program by interpreting the decision hierarchy logic. The lowest level of the decision hierarchy generates primitive coordinate-measuring machine actions, which are directly executed. A world model hierarchy executing in parallel with the task decomposition hierarchy provides information which aids in the decomposition decisions at each level. The world model is derived from a combination of prior knowledge of the part and observations gathered during inspection. The use of a world model allows an inspection task to adapt to the particular part being inspected.

Citation

IEEE Spectrum

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

control system architecture, coordinate measuring machines

Citation

McLean, C. , Mitchell, M. and Barkmeyer Jr., E. (1983), A Computer Architecture for Small Batch Manufacturing, IEEE Spectrum (Accessed July 26, 2024)