Runtime adaptability of a concurrent function block model fora real-time holonic controller

Abstract

This paper outlines a concurrent function block model to control the run-time reconfiguration process of a holonic controller. A multiagent-based concurrent execution mechanism to support run-time adaptability of the IEC 61499 basic and composite function block types is proposed. In this model, each function block contains control execution (CE) and execution control (EC) agents. In the basic function block, event-triggered CE agents are concerned with function block algorithms, while the EC agent manages and controls' the run-time configuration process of the function block itself. As well, the execution states of the function block can be switched between various states at runtime by the EC agent (e.g., running, configuring, etc.). Runtime reconfiguration of composite function blocks is accomplished using hierarchical finite state-machines with a multiple concurrency model.