Knowledge-based control systems

Abstract

The monitoring and control of devices and systems has attracted attention from the field of knowledge-based systems for a number of reasons. The problem is intrinsically knowledge-intensive, benefiting from awareness of the behaviour and interactions of components. There are complexities such as time constraints, partial and qualitative information, and in many cases there is a need for a degree of human under standability in performance. In this paper the problems of control are characterised, and a selection of applicable knowledge-based techniques described. Some architectural issues for control system design are also discussed. Two case studies are described which illustrate the variety of problems and approaches: one for control of flooding in a city, the other for control of an anaerobic waste treatment plant.