Masahiko Onosato

Development of a Virtual Manufacturing System by Integrating Product Models and Factory Models

Summary Virtual manufacturing(VM) is a concept of executing manufacturing processes in computers as well as in the real world. VM makes it possible to estimate manufacturing processes previously without using real facilities, and therefore, VM is expected to be used for many applications in manufacturing. This paper firstly introduces the concept of VM systems and discusses the relations with other concepts in manufacturing. After the discussion about the requirements for VM systems, the architecture of VM systems is explained. Lastly, some systems developed for VM systems are introduced.

Random manufacturing system: a new concept of manufacturing systems for production to order

Summary Manufacturing systems are now required to have a capability to cope with the changes of manufacturing conditions and to carry out efficient production continuously. The concept of Random Manufacturing System (RMS) is proposed in order to realize flexible and adaptive production for dynamically-changing orders. RMS consists of machine agents each of which can decides its own schedule. The operation of RMS is carried out according to the tender-based decision making. In this paper, the basic concept, architecture, and operation procedure of RMS are introduced, and methods for improving RMS performance and two simulation systems are explained.

A modelling and simulation architecture for virtual manufacturing systems

Abstract Virtual manufacturing systems are integrated computer models that represent the precise and whole structure of manufacturing systems and simulate their physical and logical behavior in operation. Since each virtual manufacturing system is an aggregation of various computer hardware and software, it is necessary to develop a system architecture which defines functional components required for modelling and simulation, interfaces between components, virtual-real interactions, and system infrastructure. This paper deals with a modelling and simulation architecture for virtual manufacturing systems for the practical development and describes a method of modelling and simulation for distributed simulation of virtual manufacturing systems.

Virtual Manufacturing Systems as Advanced Information Infrastructure for Integrating Manufacturing Resources and Activities

Abstract Advanced information technology such as computer networking and 3D graphics is now forcing industrial companies to change their manufacturing systems to information-oriented ones. The authors propose an new approach to an advanced information infrastructure with manufacturing semantics by using virtual manufacturing systems. Virtual manufacturing systems have much potential to integrate manufacturing resources and activities distributed in computer networks. The paper also describes how virtual manufacturing systems will be applied to applications as the informational kernel with open architecture in advanced manufacturing systems.

Aerial Robots for Quick Information Gathering in USAR

The paper introduces R&D results and plans of aerial robot development for USAR. Different types of aerial robots have been developed and they are systematically combined so as to offer continuous information gathering in the suffered area. Autonomous helicopters are collecting the initial disaster situation from the sky for USAR first action. A blimp system and a wire robot system survey the victims under the collapsed houses. A captive balloon system with monitoring cameras presents birds eye views of the suffered area continuously. These robots and technologies are integrated to a total solution for a quick information gathering in USAR

Digital gareki archives: An approach to know more about collapsed houses for supporting search and rescue activities

The paper presents an approach to an engineering of “gareki”, which generally means destroyed or disordered structures in Japanese. Gareki has never been a subject for both natural sciences and engineering. Therefore we have had less scientific knowledge about gareki, while search and rescue activities in earthquake disasters need it much. The first part of the paper discusses what to be studied about gareki with respect to search and rescue activities. To share knowledge about gareki, the concept of digital gareki archives is explained and four approaches for gareki data acquisition are discussed. As a prototype of digital gareki archives, a computer software system named Virtual Gareki Field (VGF) which generates digital gareki data based on collapsing process simulation has been developed and models and tools related to VGF are explained.

Modeling and implementation of Digital Semantic Models for 5-axis machining application

In order to realize the articulate link between design and manufacturing and a traceable manufacturing system, it is necessary to represent the semantics of information independently of any implementations. Moreover, the quality of data that represent information should be ensured during the product life cycle. A significant amount of research for machining process planning and machining feature extraction has been carried out to help realize an integrated CAD/CAPP/CAM system. However, all data are not used throughout product development processes. The standard for the exchange of product model data (STEP) has also emerged as a viable method for product model data exchange among design activities. However, a consistent application for integrating design, process planning and machining for mechanical components based on STEP/AP set has not completely been developed thus far. In this research, the digital semantic model that fulfills the above requirements is proposed. In this paper, modeling and implementation of digital semantic model for 5-axis machining is reported

A framework of ontology-based knowledge information processing for change detection in remote sensing data

This paper proposes a new framework for automatic interpretation, especially for change interpretation, in order to implement insightful and versatile interpretation like manual interpretation. The framework considers remote sensing data analysis as a knowledge information processing. For handling large amount of knowledge on computers consistently, the framework employs double-layered knowledge structure; ontology and heuristic. The ontology is a conceptual dictionary about remote sensing domain, and heuristic is experimental knowledge containing uncertainty. Additionally, this paper introduces the method for constructing Bayesian network using knowledge, and inferring target objects and changes using it. An experiment of change detection is conducted to demonstrate our framework.

Coordinative Generation of Machining an Fixturing Plans by a Modularized Problem Solver

Abstract In the conventional end-milling research, fixturing and machining plans in operation planning are generated separately, although those generations are mutually dependent. Advanced machining operations are directed to complicated and/or thin shape workpiece precision machining. This trend requires to consider the interdependency between machining and fixturing. This interdependency is dealt with in the newly developed coordination cycle where physical consistency and evaluation coherence are managed. This research paper presents a basic framework and procedure of the problem solving for coordinative generation of machining and fixturing plans. This paper also describes an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.

Analysis of ISO 6983 NC Data Based on ISO 14649 CNC Data Model

Retaining technical information is an important element for performing high quality machining. However, actual NC data (ISO 6983) contain implicit technical information which reflects the skilled workers knowledge. In this research, to obtain technical information, NC data are analyzed based on a next-generation CNC control language (ISO 14649) which contains technical information explicitly. In this paper, we demonstrate how ISO 6983 NC data generated by CAM software are applied to the test implemented system, and how valid technical information is obtained