Statecharts to specify the control of automated manufacturing systems

• Published in: International journal of production research Vol. 36; no. 11; pp. 3183 - 3215
• Main Authors: Marty, J. C., Sahraoui, A.E. K., Sartor, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.11.1998
• ISSN: 0020-7543; 1366-588X
• DOI: 10.1080/002075498192364

This paper deals with the use of Statecharts formalism, a recent automata-based language, to specify the control of automated manufacturing systems (AMS). Statecharts has been developed for the description of complex reactive systems; it provides high level constructs that facilitate carrying out large problems by a graphical structured approach. The main features of the formalism are given in the introduction. A way to design the most important constructs and mechanisms of a control field is proposed. Then, these constructs are implemented in order to specify the control of a flexible manufacturing and to show the adequacy of Statecharts for AMSs. Other useful constructs are given making if possible to translate control specifications according to a structured analysis method. Generic specification is also presented and the graphical simplification they provide in case of generic behaviour handling is clarified. Extensions made to Statecharts support are also illustrated.