DPP: A Distributed Process Planning Approach Using Function Blocks

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop a new methodology for intelligent and distributed process planning. The primary focus of this paper is on the architecture of the new process planning approach, using function blocks as controller language. The secondary focus is on the other supporting technologies such as machining feature-based design and agent-based decision-making. The methodology proposed for distributed process planning is based on a design-for-machining concept that can seamlessly integrate feature-based design and agent-based planning into function block-based CNC control. Different from traditional methods, the proposed approach has a two-layer structure – supervisory planning and operation planning. The supervisory planning is performed in advance at shop floor level, followed by the operation planning accomplished at run-time at machine level by open CNC controllers. Through decentralization, the distributed process planning shows promise of improving system performance within today’s continually changing shop floor environment.