Hierarchy transformation method for repetitive manufacturing system specification, design, verification and implementation

Abstract The hierarchy transformation method consists of a series of transformations through functional, controllable, dynamic, commanding hierarchies for CIM implementation. Here a functional hierarchy is initially constructed from a manufacturing system specification. Then a controllable hierarchy at the design stage is constructed after the functional hierarchy. Subsequently, a dynamic hierarchy and a commanding hierarchy are constructed through transformations at the verification and implementation stages, respectively. After invariant analysis at the verification stage, the controlled objects at the implementation stage are generated by computation. After deadlock analysis, their behaviours are monitored and predicted by verified rules. This provides not only a systematic method, but also a formal approach for CIM implementation.