On the Development of Matrixc, a Discrete Event Controller Supervisor: Implementation of a Fuzzy Logic Dispatching Approach

Abstract

Using a patented matrix formulation, a Discrete Event (DE) controller is designed for a manufacturing cell. The DE controller can directly be implemented from standard manufacturing tools such as the Bill of Materials or the assembly tree. The matrices also make it straightforward to actually implement the DE controller for sequencing the jobs and assigning the resources. Standar Petri Net(PN) system tools do not distinguish among ‘tokens’ in developed systems. In this paper, we propose to modify this structure in order to have low level control of independent parts through ‘tokens’ in PN system. This modified PN together with marking transition equation provides a complete dynamical description of a Discrete Event System (DES). The versatility of this DE controller permits implementing different methodologies for decision making / conflict resolution, including artificial intelligence techniques, as well as optimization of the resource assignment and part throughput. This paper shows an example of such versatility included in the supervisor by showing a Fuzzy Logic high level decision making development.