Message-passing architecture and its construction in object-oriented rapidmodeling for automated manufacturing system simulation

To develop a simulator for automated manufacturing systems using an object- oriented modeling paradigm, we have researched the message-passing architec ture and methodology of rapid model construction. For the message-passing m ethodology, we propose a modified hierarchical control architecture, modifi ed to allow signal paths between adjacent job flow-connected resources. Mod el libraries using the proposed architecture have been described with DEVS formalism and have been implemented based on DEVSim++ so that they support the hierarchical and modular concept. In order to support the rapid modelin g concept, we have designed a prototype simulator in which the entire messa ge-passing architecture is constructed from limited and partial information in order to reduce modeling overload for users. By showing a sample modeli ng procedure of a system, we demonstrate the interesting features of the de veloped simulator.