An Approach to Interoperability in a Heterogeneous Control Network Environment

Abstract An interoperability scheme is proposed within a heterogeneous industrial environment. Hierarchical and application-oriented views are provided to define and locate the interoperability mechanism. The approach is based on a behavioral shell developed by a common set of objects and messages using object models. Messages operate as behavior selectors establishing a semantic framework where different control networks and corporate offices may operate transparently as a single system. The distributed semi-autonomous agent concept is employed. An application scenario proposes how the interoperability scheme would be examined in association with real time operation aspects through a mixed data and control enterprise-wide communication environment.