Automated generation and evaluation of control programs for discrete manufacturing processes

A set of software tools is described for specifying the control and process dynamics for discrete manufacturing systems. Specifications are entered and modified in a relational database using a formalism that naturally reflects the functional components of a discrete control system. A Petri-net model of the control and process logic is extracted automatically from the database, and various analysis tools are provided to investigate the consistency and viability of the specifications. The control logic is then translated into source code for the online control computer. The specification formalism and generated control software are illustrated using a simple die-stamping example. A real-time process simulator for program verification is also described.<
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