An Information Integration Framework Based on XML to Support Mechatronics Multi-disciplinary Design

Abstract-To implement the information integration of multidisciplinary applications, an information integration framework of mechatronics system multi-disciplinary design is developed. This developed integration framework adopts a XML Web service based architecture which facilitates the seamless information integration in Internet environments. MSCIM (Mechatronics System Common Information Model) is defined as well as the standard data access interfaces are specified. MSCIM includes all the major objects and the relationships of objects in the process of mechatronics systems design. As a neutral and Web-friendly industry standard, the XML Schema is used as the formal definition language of the MSCIM. DAF (Data access facility) is adopted as the standard data access interface and the accurate definition is given via WSDL. Standard data access interfaces are implemented through SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) over HTTP which provides the multi-disciplinary design application with a generic way to exchange information and access public data. Furthermore, this information integration framework provides the multi-disciplinary engineers with an integrated logical view of mechatronics systems and realizes cooperation of multi-disciplinary teams which shortens the development cycle and saves the cost at the same time in mechatronics multi-disciplinary design

Web service control of component-based agile manufacturing systems

Current global business competition has resulted in significant challenges for manufacturing and production sectors focused on shorter product lifecyc1es, more diverse and customized products as well as cost pressures from competitors and customers. To remain competitive, manufacturers, particularly in automotive industry, require the next generation of manufacturing paradigms supporting flexible and reconfigurable production systems that allow quick system changeovers for various types of products. In addition, closer integration of shop floor and business systems is required as indicated by the research efforts in investigating "Agile and Collaborative Manufacturing Systems" in supporting the production unit throughout the manufacturing lifecycles. The integration of a business enterprise with its shop-floor and lifecycle supply partners is currently only achieved through complex proprietary solutions due to differences in technology, particularly between automation and business systems. The situation is further complicated by the diverse types of automation control devices employed. Recently, the emerging technology of Service Oriented Architecture's (SOA's) and Web Services (WS) has been demonstrated and proved successful in linking business applications. The adoption of this Web Services approach at the automation level, that would enable a seamless integration of business enterprise and a shop-floor system, is an active research topic within the automotive domain. If successful, reconfigurable automation systems formed by a network of collaborative autonomous and open control platform in distributed, loosely coupled manufacturing environment can be realized through a unifying platform of WS interfaces for devices communication. The adoption of SOA- Web Services on embedded automation devices can be achieved employing Device Profile for Web Services (DPWS) protocols which encapsulate device control functionality as provided services (e.g. device I/O operation, device state notification, device discovery) and business application interfaces into physical control components of machining automation. This novel approach supports the possibility of integrating pervasive enterprise applications through unifying Web Services interfaces and neutral Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) message communication between control systems and business applications over standard Ethernet-Local Area Networks (LAN's). In addition, the re-configurability of the automation system is enhanced via the utilisation of Web Services throughout an automated control, build, installation, test, maintenance and reuse system lifecycle via device self-discovery provided by the DPWS protocol...cont'd