Pattern-based control-code synthesis

Abstract

Manufacturing plants become more complex as the desire for modern individual products increases. Programming such plants is a challenging task that consumes a lot of time. This paper proposes a new control-code synthesis algorithm, which aids the programmer by automatically generating parts of the control-code. With the new algorithm, the programmer only has to specify and parametrize the general production process, e.g. drill a hole then paint the workpiece. The control-code for all intermediate processes, like transporting the workpiece from the drilling machine to the paint-spray station is generated automatically. This saves much engineering time and enables the programmer to focus on more challenging tasks, such as process optimisation.