Masaharu Oku

Hi-Cell architecture and the project model for manufacturing ADS

An automation system architecture for implementing autonomous decentralized systems (ADSs) called Hi-Cell is described. A project model of human organization featuring activities such as teaming is proposed as an analog for Hi-Cell behavior. Familiar team behaviors such as task allocation, learning, and cooperation are explored in the automation domain.<<ETX>>

Flow oriented approach for human-centered agile manufacturing systems

The recent individualization in customer demand and fluctuation in business environment require manufacturing systems to follow the changing small trends promptly. This paper proposes Flow Oriented Approach, a method to design manufacturing system information, to accelerate diversified autonomous improvement activities performed by personnel from many departments. Based on this approach, raw data generated and used in manufacturing system are categorized according to work objectives, combined to messages, and made to flow through the system on autonomous decentralized system architecture. A tool on this architecture is also proposed for personnel to use manufacturing information selectively and promptly. This approach makes it possible to process data variously and extract useful information for improvement activities without disturbing on-line operation, in comparison with information sharing by shared files. The proposed approach has been applied to actual manufacturing systems and evaluated in several improvement activities.

Application of the encapsulated actuator model to the sequential control of machines

This paper proposes a new software design methodology for programmable controllers, using sequential function chart (SFC) and encapsulated actuator model of mechanical actuators. Based on the hybrid programming with SFC and ladder logic diagram (LLD), the part of the LLD is standardized and encapsulated for a description of each actuators interlocks. To meet the demands of frequent improvement and modification in control programs for mechanical actuators, the concept of encapsulated actuator model realizes flexibility in design, testing, and maintenance. This concept is expected to be extensively applied to machine control in the large-scale factory automation system of manufacturing industries.