Abstract
Mark Flow Graph (MFG) is a generalized and uninterpreted technique to represent event-condition systems. However, to model a specific system, an interpreted form of the MFG is necessary to clarify the features of the system. The MFG technique is applicable as a hierarchical approach to obtain an easily understandable and systematic design procedure.
The purpose of this work is to provide a generalized and systematic approach to represent discrete event production systems and system control.
Firstly, a characterization of a discrete event production system (DEPS for short) is carried out based on the activity phenomena flow and its control in which the activity element and the distributing element are identified. Based on this, the production flow schema is proposed as a conceptual representation of the DEPS. Secondly, an interpreted form of the MFG which includes the required control conditions is introduced to efficiently detail the functions of the system's elements identified by the production flow schema.
Finally, the main control rules are identified and some practical solutions by using the proposed method are presented to assure that the resultant overall system is well-designed.
