A Generic Language for Query and Viewtype Generation By-Example

In model-driven engineering, powerful query/view languages exist to compute result sets/views from underlying models. However, to use these languages effectively, one must understand the query/view language concepts as well as the underlying models and metamodels structures. Consequently, it is a challenge for domain experts to create queries/views due to the lack of knowledge about the computer-internal abstract representation of models and metamodels. To better support domain experts in the query/view creation, the goal of this paper is the presentation of a generic concept to specify queries/views on models without requiring deep knowledge on the realization of modeling languages. The proposed concept is agnostic to specific modeling languages and allows the query/view generation by-example with a simple mechanism for filtering model elements. Based on this generic concept, a generic query/view language is proposed that uses role-oriented modeling for its non-intrusive application for specific modeling languages. The proposed language is demonstrated based on the role-based single underlying model (RSUM) approach for AutomationML to create queries/views by-example, and subsequently, associated viewtypes to modify the result set or view

A Mapping Approach to Convert MTPs into a Capability and Skill Ontology

Being able to quickly integrate new equipment and functions into an existing plant is a major goal for both discrete and process manufacturing. But currently, these two industry domains use different approaches to achieve this goal. While the Module Type Package (MTP) is getting more and more adapted in practical applications of process manufacturing, so-called skill-based manufacturing approaches are favored in the context of discrete manufacturing. The two approaches are incompatible because their models feature different contents and they use different technologies. This contribution provides a comparison of the MTP with a skill-based approach as well as an automated mapping that can be used to transfer the contents of an MTP into a skill ontology. Through this mapping, an MTP can be semantically lifted in order to apply functions like querying or reasoning. Furthermore, machines that were previously described using two incompatible models can now be used in one production process

Framework For The Successful Set-up Of A Common Data Model In The Context Of An Industry 4.0-ready Plant Design Process

The production plant design process consists of a multitude of individual engineering disciplines, which rely on a variety of digital models. The individual tasks build up on each other, while each discipline consumes information from the previous processes. However, sharing relevant data across multiple companies is challenging and susceptible to miscommunication and delays. Furthermore, integrating diverse software systems, tools, and technologies create compatibility issues and hinder seamless integration. As a result, a heterogeneous, non-automated data and information landscape is created, characterized by a high level of manual data transfer. This represents a major problem on the way towards Industry 4.0. The goal of this paper is to provide a framework for the successful set-up of a common data model in the context of an Industry 4.0-ready plant design process across and along the value chain. For this purpose, a literature review of current problems in the cross-company and cross-departmental collaboration in the plant design process is provided and requirements for the framework are derived. Existing solutions and research projects are compiled and evaluated against the requirements, from which the framework's structure is concluded. The framework itself is intended to be holistic and must therefore not only include technical aspects (e.g. data interfaces, semantics), but also enable the entire organization and value chain to implement the common data model as part of the digital transformation process (e.g. employee skills, business strategy, legal conditions). Based on this, the framework is further elaborated by deducing calls for action for a successful set-up of a common data model within the research project DIAMOND (Digital plant modeling with neutral data formats). The focus should be on employees and their competencies, as these are prerequisites for shaping digital transformation. Future research must prioritize these actions to enhance technology readiness and organizational Industry 4.0 preparation

Aggregoiva OPC UA palvelin yleiseen tiedon yhdistämiseen

OPC UA is an industrial communication protocol that enables the modelling of complex information with semantics and exposing it in the address space of an OPC UA server. With developments such as the Industrial Internet of Things and Industrie 4.0, the amount of data in the industrial environment is increasing and it is provided by an increasing number of sources. This can lead to information becoming increasingly scattered, which creates difficulties and inefficiencies in getting a view of all the available information. This thesis presents the design and implementation of a software solution that can integrate information from multiple OPC UA source servers that provide information in different ways and from different viewpoints. An existing aggregating OPC UA server was improved based on elicited requirements to implement an integration platform that can group together and display the heterogeneous information sources in its specially organized address space. The developed software solution consists of three parts: instance aggregation, type aggregation and service mappings, that cooperate together to create the needed functionality. The implemented prototype solution was evaluated in several test cases and found to meet the goals set for it. The instance aggregation procedure is able to find and group relevant information from different sources, while the type aggregation and service mappings keep the type definitions of the aggregated information intact. The instance aggregation procedure can also be configured by the user with a set of rules that enable compatibility with different use case needs. In the future, the results of this thesis will be used as a starting point in the incremental development of improved versions of the aggregation feature.Teollisuudessa käytetty OPC UA -tiedonsiirtomäärittely mahdollistaa monimutkaisen tiedon ja semantiikan esittämisen UPC UA -palvelimen osoiteavaruudessa oliomallin avulla. Teollisen internetin ja Industrie 4.0:n viitoittama suunta teollisuudessa on lisääntyvä tiedon määrä yhä useammista tietolähteistä. Tämän seurauksena tieto voi pirstaloitua ja täten vaikeuttaa kokonaiskuvan saantia olemassaolevasta tiedosta. Tämä diplomityö esittelee suunnittelun ja toteutuksen ohjelmistolle, joka pystyy integroimaan tietoa useista eri OPC UA -lähdepalvelimista, jotka voivat esittää tietoa eri tavoin ja eri näkökulmista. Olemassaolevaa aggregoivaa OPC UA -palvelinta kehitettiin uusiin vaatimuksiin perustuen toteuttamaan integraatioalusta, joka voi ryhmitellä yhteen ja näyttää tietoa erilaisista lähteistä tarkoituksenmukaisesti järjestetyssä nimiavaruudessaan. Kehitetty ohjelmistoratkaisu koostuu kolmesta osasta: instanssien aggregoinnista, tyyppien aggregoinnista ja palvelukartoituksista, jotka toimivat yhdessä tuottaakseen tarvittavan toiminnallisuuden. Kehitettyä prototyyppiratkaisua arvioitiin useissa testitapauksissa ja sen havaittiin täyttävän sille asetetut tavoitteet. Instanssien aggregointi pystyy löytämään ja ryhmittelemään yhteenkuuluvat tiedot eri lähteistä, kun taas tyyppien aggregointi ja palvelukartoitukset pitävät aggregoidun tiedon tyypppimäärittelyt muuttumattomina. Käyttäjä voi konfiguroida instanssien aggregointia käyttämällä erityisiä sääntömäärittelyjä, jotka mahdollistavat aggregointiprosessin yhteensopivuuden eri käyttötarpeiden kanssa. Tulevaisuudessa tässä opinnäytetyössä saatuja tuloksia käytetään lähtökohtana aggregointitoiminnallisuuden asteittaisesssa jatkokehittämisessä

Komponenttien luokittelu ja parhaat käytännöt tuotantosimulaation mallinnuksessa

Production simulation software plays a major role in validation, optimization and illustration of production systems. Operation of production simulation is generally based on components and their interaction. Components typically represent factory floor devices, but in addition, there can be components to provide visualization, statistics, control or other input to simulation. The demand for having high-quality, easy-to-use and compatible components emphasizes the importance of component modelling. The objectives of this thesis were to develop component classes based on industrial devices, to standardize component modelling solutions and best practices in component modelling. Other objectives were to identify and analyse future prospects of production simulation. This focuses on the concept of digital twin, which could be described as reflective real-time simulation model from the physical system. In addition, focus is also set on formal modelling languages. The outcome of this thesis presents component classes and best practices in component modelling. In component classification, the focus was set to development of generic components, which can be controlled with signal-based logic. This enables components from the software to be externally controlled. In addition, automatic model creation tool wizard, is implemented to instantly generate components based on the defined component classes. Best practices were based on the selected modelling fields that are most relevant for general use. In the development of best practices, interviewing method was utilized to receive input from simulation experts.Tuotantosimulaatio on tärkeässä osassa tuotantojärjestelmien validoinnissa, optimoinnissa ja visualisoinnissa. Tuotantosimulaation toiminta perustuu yleisesti komponentteihin ja niiden väliseen vuorovaikutukseen. Komponentit esittävät tyypillisesti tehtaasta löytyviä laitteita ja esineitä, mutta komponentteja voidaan käyttää myös visualisointiin, statistiikan keräämiseen, järjestelmän ohjaukseen tai muuhun tarpeeseen simuloinnissa. Tämän diplomityön tavoitteita oli kehittää komponenttiluokkia teollisuudesta valittujen laitteiden perusteella, mikä mahdollistaa mallinnusratkaisujen standardoinnin. Sen lisäksi tavoitteena oli kehittää parhaat käytännöt komponenttimallinnukseen. Muita tavoitteita oli tunnistaa ja analysoida tulevaisuuden näkymiä tuotantosimulaatiolle. Tämä keskittyi pääosin digitaaliseen kaksoseen, jota voidaan kuvata reaaliaikaisesti peilautuvaksi simulaatiomalliksi todellisesta järjestelmästä. Tämän lisäksi työssä keskityttiin formaaleihin mallinnuskieliin. Diplomityön lopputulos esittää kehitetyt komponenttiluokat ja parhaat käytännöt komponenttimallinnuksessa. Komponenttien luokittelussa keskityttiin kehittämään geneerisiä komponentteja, joita voidaan ohjata signaalipohjaisilla komennoilla. Tämä mahdollistaa komponentin ohjaamisen myös simulointiohjelman ulkopuolelta. Tämän lisäksi automaattista komponenttien luomistyökalua käytettiin luokiteltujen komponenttien luomisessa. Parhaat käytännöt komponenttimallinnuksessa pohjautuivat mallinnuksen oleellisimpiin osa-alueisiin tavanomaisissa mallinnustilanteissa. Parhaiden käytäntöjen kehityksessä haastateltiin simulointiammattilaisia, joiden mielipiteistä muodostettiin perusta käytäntöjen kehitykselle

Engineering methods and tools for cyber–physical automation systems

Much has been published about potential benefits of the adoption of cyber–physical systems (CPSs) in manufacturing industry. However, less has been said about how such automation systems might be effectively configured and supported through their lifecycles and how application modeling, visualization, and reuse of such systems might be best achieved. It is vitally important to be able to incorporate support for engineering best practice while at the same time exploiting the potential that CPS has to offer in an automation systems setting. This paper considers the industrial context for the engineering of CPS. It reviews engineering approaches that have been proposed or adopted to date including Industry 4.0 and provides examples of engineering methods and tools that are currently available. The paper then focuses on the CPS engineering toolset being developed by the Automation Systems Group (ASG) in the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, Coventry, U.K. and explains via an industrial case study how such a component-based engineering toolset can support an integrated approach to the virtual and physical engineering of automation systems through their lifecycle via a method that enables multiple vendors' equipment to be effectively integrated and provides support for the specification, validation, and use of such systems across the supply chain, e.g., between end users and system integrators