A component-based approach for conveying systems control design

This paper deals with the design of discrete control for conveying systems. A methodology based on components is introduced to model controlled conveying systems. A component is a reusable element that includes several views including partial models. It is formalized referring to the notion of operations. Four views are delineated in this paper: Operating part view, Constraints view, Graphical view and Control view. The control model of the workshop is built on these views. A methodology allowing to automatically generate the control programs is proposed to provide an easy way to obtain source code compatible with the IEC 61131-3 standard. Its purpose is to automate the development of control programs in order to reduce costs. Tools allowing to implement the methodology are also presented, along with some applications.