Software Systems Engineering for Cyber Physical Production Systems

This project solves the problem of easy adaption and usage of CPPS by small scale industries, With this project it has been tried to develop a methodology of requirement engineering for CPPS system and finally the whole system. We have developed the approach right from requirement engineering to mapping into IEC61499 function blocks and then to deployment to a physical devices. This work can be a good foundation and support for scientific communities or industialist to easily implement requirement engineering of a small scale systems for CPPS and thus build a 21st century production system with this and reap its enormous benefits.Cyber physical production systems are the future of production systems not only in europe but in the entire world. It brings with itself huge benefits and popularly attributes to Industry 4.0 also. These are automated systems where physical systems are monitored and controlled by computer based algorithms in real time. Traditional systems have certain disadvantages and are limited in terms of hours of operation as it is governed by manpowers and the type of products that can be produced without making much changes in the production configuration and the speed of production of products. In europe, a lot of research is going on, particularly in germany and in the United states too for upgrading major physical systems and manufacturing systems. Some examples of such systems are smart factory, smart grid, autonomous automobile systems, automatic pilot avionics, robotics systems etc. The main goal of this thesis is to define a set of methodologies for easing the process of implementation of the CPPS(cyber physical production systems) system on small and medium industries so that the adoption rate for such industries can be high. There is no methodology yet particularly for CPPS systems for small and medium industries, although we have methodologies in place for large industries. In order to do so, first study was done for challenges in developing a requirement engineering process in section 3 and how it is different from a typical software system. An approach has been developed based on existing information available on large systems and CPPS and some software engineering frameworks like MODAF and TOGAF. A proposal for the process and some diagrams and tools has been made in section 4. To validate the proposed approach we have taken a synthetic test case of a pizza production system and implemented all the approaches to transform it into a cyber physical production system right from requirement and UML diagrams to the final function block approach. With this set of approaches,there is now a basis for software development methodology for small and medium industries particularly. With these approaches the adoption rate can be really high for such industries bringing out traditional industries more to the 21st century forefront

The DS-Pnet modeling formalism for cyber-physical system development

This work presents the DS-Pnet modeling formalism (Dataflow, Signals and Petri nets), designed for the development of cyber-physical systems, combining the characteristics of Petri nets and dataflows to support the modeling of mixed systems containing both reactive parts and data processing operations. Inheriting the features of the parent IOPT Petri net class, including an external interface composed of input and output signals and events, the addition of dataflow operations brings enhanced modeling capabilities to specify mathematical data transformations and graphically express the dependencies between signals. Data-centric systems, that do not require reactive controllers, are designed using pure dataflow models. Component based model composition enables reusing existing components, create libraries of previously tested components and hierarchically decompose complex systems into smaller sub-systems. A precise execution semantics was defined, considering the relationship between dataflow and Petri net nodes, providing an abstraction to define the interface between reactive controllers and input and output signals, including analog sensors and actuators. The new formalism is supported by the IOPT-Flow Web based tool framework, offering tools to design and edit models, simulate model execution on the Web browser, plus model-checking and software/hardware automatic code generation tools to implement controllers running on embedded devices (C,VHDL and JavaScript). A new communication protocol was created to permit the automatic implementation of distributed cyber-physical systems composed of networks of remote components communicating over the Internet. The editor tool connects directly to remote embedded devices running DS-Pnet models and may import remote components into new models, contributing to simplify the creation of distributed cyber-physical applications, where the communication between distributed components is specified just by drawing arcs. Several application examples were designed to validate the proposed formalism and the associated framework, ranging from hardware solutions, industrial applications to distributed software applications

Summer school on intelligent agents in automation: Experience and reflections from the second edition

Several research agendas worldwide are targeting the development of Industrial Cyber-physical Systems as the next generation of intelligent embedded devices with improved interaction capabilities. These devices, and their potential uses, are though to deliver a radical increase in system sustainability, reconfigurability and flexibility which is perceived to be the root of the so called 4 th Industrial Revolution. However such technical systems, at the envisioned revolutionary scale, do not exist just yet and require a convergent and multidisciplinary research and development efforts. The academia curricula are also, albeit slowly, adjusting to the emerging education requirements. The Summer School on Intelligent Agents in Automation is a joint effort from several researchers in core areas of the 4 th Industrial Revolution landscape to close the gap and promote advanced education in this context. This paper describes the implementation of the 2 nd edition of the event as well as the experience and reflections resultant from it.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Towards a new methodology for design, modelling, and verification of reconfigurable distributed control systems based on a new extension to the IEC 61499 standard

In order to meet user requirements and system environment changes, reconfigurable control systems must dynamically adapt their structure and behaviour without disrupting system operation. IEC 61499 standard provides limited support for the design and verification of such systems. In fact, handling different reconfiguration scenarios at runtime is difficult since function blocks in IEC 61499 cannot be changed at run-time. Hence, this thesis promotes an IEC 61499 extension called reconfigurable function block (RFB) that increases design readability and smoothly switches to the most appropriate behaviour when a reconfiguration event occurs. To ensure system feasibility after reconfiguration, in addition to the qualitative verification, quantitative verification based on probabilistic model checking is addressed in a new RFBA approach. The latter aims to transform the designed RFB model automatically into a generalised reconfigurable timed net condition/event system model (GRTNCES) using a newly developed environment called RFBTool. The GR-TNCES fits well with RFB and preserves its semantic. Using the probabilistic model checker PRISM, the generated GR-TNCES model is checked using defined properties specified in computation tree logic. As a result, an evaluation of system performance and an estimation of reconfiguration risks are obtained. The RFBA methodology is applied on a distributed power system case study.Dynamische Anforderungen und Umgebungen erfordern rekonfigurierbare Anlagen und Steuerungssysteme. Rekonfiguration ermöglicht es einem System, seine Struktur und sein Verhalten an interne oder externe Änderungen anzupassen. Die Norm IEC 61499 wurde entwickelt, um (verteilte) Steuerungssysteme auf Basis von Funktionsbausteinen zu entwickeln. Sie bietet jedoch wenig Unterstützung für Entwurf und Verifikation. Die Tatsache, dass eine Rekonfiguration das System-Ausführungsmodell verändert, erschwert die Entwicklung in IEC 61499 zusätzlich. Daher schlägt diese Dissertation rekonfigurierbare Funktionsbausteine (RFBs) als Erweiterung der Norm vor. Ein RFB verarbeitet über einen Master-Slave-Automaten Rekonfigurationsereignisse und löst das entsprechende Verhalten aus. Diese Hierarchie trennt das Rekonfigurationsmodell vom Steuerungsmodell und vereinfacht so den Entwurf. Die Funktionalität des Entwurfs muss verifiziert werden, damit die Ausführbarkeit des Systems nach einer Rekonfiguration gewährleistet ist. Hierzu wird das entworfene RFB-Modell automatisch in ein generalised reconfigurable timed net condition/event system übersetzt. Dieses wird mit dem Model-Checker PRISM auf qualitative und quantitative Eigenschaften überprüft. Somit wird eine Bewertung der Systemperformanz und eine Einschätzung der Rekonfigurationsrisiken erreicht. Die RFB-Methodik wurde in einem Softwarewerkzeug umgesetzt und in einer Fallstudie auf ein dezentrales Stromnetz angewendet

Fully-deterministic execution of IEC-61499 models for Distributed Avionics Applications

© 2018 by the authors. The development of time-critical Distributed Avionics Applications (DAAs) pushes beyond the limit of existing modeling methodologies to design dependable systems. Aerospace and industrial automation entail high-integrity applications where execution time is essential for dependability. This tempts us to use modeling technologies from one domain in another. The challenge is to demonstrate that they can be effectively used across domains whilst assuring temporally dependable applications. This paper shows that an IEC61499-modeled DAA can satisfy temporal dependability requirements as to end-to-end flow latency when it is properly scheduled and realized in a fully deterministic avionics platform that entails Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) computation along with Time-Triggered Protocol (TTP) communication. Outcomes from the execution design of an IEC61499-based DAA model for an IMA-TTP platform are used to check runtime correctness through DAA control stability. IEC 61499 is a modeling standard for industrial automation, and it is meant to facilitate distribution and reconfiguration of applications. The DAA case study is a Distributed Fluid Control System (DFCS) for the Airbus-A380 fuel system. Latency analysis results from timing metrics as well as closed-loop control simulation results are presented. Experimental outcomes suggest that an IEC61499-based DFCS model can achieve desired runtime latency for temporal dependability when executed in an IMA-TTP platform. Concluding remarks and future research direction are also discussed

Plant model generation from event log using ProM for formal verification of CPS

This paper introduces the concept of plant model generation from the recorded traces of events using the process mining technique. The event logs are obtained by visually simulating a simple distributed manufacturing system using the OPC UA communication protocol. The process discovery alpha algorithm is used to extract the process model in Petri net format. The system behavior represented in terms of Petri net is then fed to construct the ECC of the basic function block in compliance with IEC 61499 standard using the proposed notation. Finally, the formal verification of the closed-loop system is done with the help of a tool chain that consists of fb2smv converter, symbolic model checker NuSMV, and other tools for representing counter-examples

Reconfigurable conveyor transfer system using IEC-61499 function blocks

Mestrado de dupla diplomação com o Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais – CEFET-MGIn the 4th Industrial Revolution era, automation processes operate in a more modular, flexible, and reconfigurable manner, leveraging decentralized decision-making and distributed control. As the backbone of this revolution lies the Cyber-physical Production System (CPPS) concept, which emphasizes the strong interlink and interdependence of the digital/cyber and physical components. It requires the use of a technology capable of incorporating intelligence through the entities in a decentralized manner. IEC-61499 Function Blocks technology stands out as a suitable approach to implementing distributed automation control systems. This work presents the development of a dynamic and on-the-fly reconfiguration conveyor transfer system based on the IEC-61499 standard, that automatically adapts its operation to face changes in the number and position of the conveyor modules. For this purpose, the developed control system considers a Python-based Function Block (FB) network using the DINASORE framework, capable of effectively communicating between system components and identifying changes in real time. The experimental tests showed promising results regarding the system’s ability to adapt to condition changes automatically and on the fly, as well as its scalability and robustness.Na era da 4ª Revolução Industrial, os processos de automação operam de maneira mais modular, flexível e reconfigurável, aproveitando a tomada de decisão descentralizada e o controle distribuído. O conceito de Sistemas de Produção Cíber Físicos (do inglês Cyber-physical Production System - CPPS) surge como o principal componente dessa revolução, enfatizando a forte interligação e interdependência dos componentes digitais/cibernéticos e físicos, exigindo o uso de uma tecnologia capaz de incorporar inteligência por meio das entidades de forma descentralizada. A tecnologia de Function Blocks baseados na norma IEC-61499 destaca-se como uma abordagem adequada para implementar sistemas de controle de automação distribuídos. Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um sistema dinâmico de transferência de esteira transportadora e de reconfiguração baseado na norma IEC-61499, adaptando automaticamente sua operação para enfrentar mudanças no número e na posição dos módulos da esteira. Para isso, o sistema de controle desenvolvido considera uma rede de FB baseada em Python usando o DINASORE, capaz de se comunicar efetivamente entre os componentes do sistema e identificar alterações em tempo real. Os testes experimentais mostraram resultados promissores com relação à capacidade do sistema de se adaptar às mudanças automaticamente e em tempo real, bem como sua escalabilidade e robustez

Modeling an Industrial Revolution: How to Manage Large-Scale, Complex IoT Ecosystems?

Advancements around the modern digital industry gave birth to a number of closely interrelated concepts: in the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), System of Systems (SoS), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Digital Twins and the fourth industrial revolution, everything revolves around the issue of designing well-understood, sound and secure complex systems while providing maximum flexibility, autonomy and dynamics.The aim of the paper is to present a concise overview of a comprehensive conceptual framework for integrated modeling and management of industrial IoT architectures, supported by actual evidence from the Arrowhead Tools project; in particular, we adopt a three-dimensional projection of our complex engineering space, from modeling the engineering process to SoS design and deployment.In particular, we start from modeling principles of the the engineering process itself. Then, we present a design-time SoS representation along with a toolchain concept aiding SoS design and deployment. This brings us to reasoning about what potential workflows are thinkable for specifying comprehensive toolchains along with their data exchange interfaces. We also discuss the potential of aligning our vision with RAMI4.0, as well as the utilization perspectives for real-life engineering use-cases

Describing Structure and Complex Interactions in Multi-Agent-Based Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems

The description of structure and complex interactions in Multi-agent-based Industrial Cyber-physical (MAS-ICPS) systems has been elusively addressed in the literature. Existing works, grounded on model-based engineering, have been successful at characterizing and solving system integration problems. However, they fail to describe accurately the collective and dynamic execution behaviour of large and complex industrial systems, particularly in more discrete production domains, such as: automotive, home appliances, aerospace, food and beverages, etc. In these domains, the execution flow diverts dynamically due to production disturbances, custom orders, fluctuations in demand in mixed model production, faults, quality-control and product rework, etc. These dynamic conditions require re-allocation and reconfiguration of production resources, redirection of production flows, re-scheduling of orders, etc. A meta-model for describing the structure and complex interactions in MAS-ICPS is defined in this paper. This contribution goes beyond the State-Of-The-Art (SOTA) as the proposed meta-model describes structure, as many other literature contributions, but also describes the execution behaviour of arbitrarily complex interactions. The previous is achieved with the introduction of general execution flow control operators in the meta-model. These operators cover, among other aspects, delegation of the execution flow and dynamic decision making. Additionally, the contribution also goes beyond the SOTA by including validation mechanisms for the models generated by the meta-model. Finally, the contribution adds to the current literature by providing a meta-model focusing on production execution and not just on describing the structural connectivity aspects of ICPSs.publishersversionpublishe

The Role of Mixed Criticality Technology in Industry 4.0

[EN] Embedded systems used in critical systems, such as aeronautics, have undergone continuous evolution in recent years. In this evolution, many of the functionalities offered by these systems have been adapted through the introduction of network services that achieve high levels of interconnectivity. The high availability of access to communications networks has enabled the development of new applications that introduce control functions with higher levels of intelligence and adaptation. In these applications, it is necessary to manage different components of an application according to their levels of criticality. The concept of "Industry 4.0" has recently emerged to describe high levels of automation and flexibility in production. The digitization and extensive use of information technologies has become the key to industrial systems. Due to their growing importance and social impact, industrial systems have become part of the systems that are considered critical. This evolution of industrial systems forces the appearance of new technical requirements for software architectures that enable the consolidation of multiple applications in common hardware platforms-including those of different criticality levels. These enabling technologies, together with use of reference models and standardization facilitate the effective transition to this approach. This article analyses the structure of Industry 4.0 systems providing a comprehensive review of existing techniques. The levels and mechanisms of interaction between components are analyzed while considering the impact that the handling of multiple levels of criticality has on the architecture itself-and on the functionalities of the support middleware. Finally, this paper outcomes some of the challenges from a technological and research point of view that the authors identify as crucial for the successful development of these technologies.This research was funded by the Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry MICINN: CICYT project PRECON-I4: "Predictable and dependable computer systems for Industry 4.0" TIN201786520-C3-1-R.Simó Ten, JE.; Balbastre, P.; Blanes Noguera, F.; Poza-Lujan, J.; Guasque Ortega, A. (2021). The Role of Mixed Criticality Technology in Industry 4.0. Electronics. 10(3):1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics1003022611610