An advanced and distributed control architecture based on intelligent agents and neural networks

A new layered architecture for the implementation of intelligent distributed control systems is proposed. The proposed architecture distinguishes four layers in a distributed control system. Upper layer consists of a digital control layer, where high level decisions are taken. This level is implemented by means of intelligent agents that carry out the discrete control functions, system supervision as well as diagnosis and fault tolerance. Third layer deals with numeric values, performs analog operations and implement analog control loops. It is also in carry of the conversion from numerical variables values to evaluated expressions. This layer has been implemented by means of neural network…

A new ifierarchical and intelligent control architecture based on distributed neural networks and expert systems applied to vehicle automation

Analysis and validation in design time of distributed control systems implemented by means of rule based expert systems

In this paper a new analytical method for control systems validation is presented. The control system will be implemented by means of expert systems based on rule nets, which are a formalism that seeks to express an automatism in a similar way to as would make it a human being: "IF antecedents THEN consequent". But at the same time rule nets are a tool for the design, analysis and implementation of rule based systems (RBS), and consist on a mathematic-logical structure which analytically reflects the set of rules that the human expert has designed. The validation consist on the analysis of the decisive rule nets properties in design time. This properties have been studied and formalized com…

Enabling ubiquitous wireless sensor networks: A new fault tolerant RF architecture with perpetual electrical power based on 802.15.4 and RFID

The wireless communications field is in continuous growth and revolution. The current trend toward the use of distributed wireless systems is due to these systems have demonstrated to be a good option due to its flexibility and power. In this line, nowadays there is an enormous demand of wireless connectivity for any industrial control applications, included critical systems. In this paper, we want to discuss possibilities and necessary developments to set up wireless communication for industrial applications in general and critical systems in particular. Furthermore, an abstract definition of a layered architecture for the development of intelligent and distributed control systems based on…

A CAN Fieldbus Based Architecture for Distributed Control Systems Implementation

Abstract The application of distributed systems theory to the implementation of industrial control systems is one of the best options to develop simple, scalable and physically distributed control systems. Following this line, our group has proposed a new architecture based on Rule Nets (RN) as an HLP over CAN fieldbus for the implementation of Distributed Systems. This architecture has been applied to several control applications, obtaining excellent results. The most outstanding feature of the architecture was its simplicity in the control systems design, without any efficiency loss. New capabilities have been added to improve its features and develop new analysis tools, in order to incre…

Integration and application of emerging RF systems formed by wireless sensor networks: exhaustive experiment to their implantation in different environments

This paper shows the possibility to use Bluetooth for wireless short range communication in an industrial environment. Traditionally many types of devices have been delivered as mechanical devices and more or less all or the intelligence and control has been added. Nowadays there is a growing trend towards a higher level of built-in intelligence in the devices, constituting the intelligent nodes. This type of systems allows the implementation of highly flexible control systems capable of adapting themselves to different situations. With the introduction of RF systems, another dimension is aggregated, the possibility to wirelessly connect to the devices. The technology makes it possible to e…

Performance Study of Non-beaconed and Beacon-Enabled Modes in IEEE 802.15.4 under Bluetooth Interference

The IEEE 802.15.4 protocol is a flexible technology with great potential for wireless sensor networks applications. The standard distinguishes two network modes; beacon-enabled and nonbeacon-enabled. In this paper, the performance study of beaconed and non-beaconed modes of IEEE 802.15.4 is evaluated using on site PER measurements. The tests are carryout in an urban outdoor environment with commercial available equipment. Likewise, the impact of Bluetooth interference over IEEE 802.15.4 modes is evaluated. The results show that Bluetooth interference and the mode selected have effects over the PER. Furthermore, for distances between 3 to 10 meters the PER doesn't show significance distance …

Application of distributed expert systems to the advanced control of smart houses

Abstract A distributed expert system has been proposed for the smart house control. Its configuration is mainly based on the use of distributed nodes connected by means of a CAN network. This kind of systems allow the implementation of highly flexible control systems capable of adapting themselves to different situations. The expert system used is based on Rule Nets (RN), which are a formalism that seeks to express an automatism in a similar way to as would make it a human being: "IF antecedents THEN consequents". But at the same time Rule nets are a tool for the design, analysis and implementation of rule based systems (RBS), and consist on a mathematic-logical structure which analytically…

A New Web Interface for Distributed Control Systems: Application to the Chemical Monitoring of a Wort Fermentation Process

A new web interface for rule net-based distributed control systems is proposed. It is applied to the monitoring of a chemical analysis system coupled with a wort fermentation process. A complete description of both the chemical and the informatics system is presented. This interface offers the possibility of accessing the process from any Internet-connected device (PC, PDA, etc.), using a standard browser as the only software required. The evolution of the results obtained in the FIA monitoring (and consequently of the process) can be analyzed by means of this interface; on the other hand, the process itself can be directly controlled through the modification of the different working parame…

Distributed and mobile systems based on wireless networks: definition of a generic control architecture

The tendency toward the use of distributed systems is due to these systems have demonstrated to be a good option for the industrial control systems implementation, because of their flexibility and power, which can be increased with the application of artificial intelligence techniques. In this line, our research group has developed several distributed systems applied to chemical analysis and industrial automation. For these implementations the CAN network was used. Nowadays there is a market for technical tasks like distributed control, monitoring or data acquisition where there is a need for wireless connectivity. Thus, in this paper we want to discuss possibilities and necessary developme…

Industrial applications of wireless networks: a bridge crane distributed control system based on bluetooth

This paper shows the possibility to use Bluetooth for wireless short range communication in an industrial environment. In this line a distributed control system based on Bluetooth has been proposed for a bridge crane system. Its configuration is mainly based on the use of distributed nodes connected by means of Bluetooth. Traditionally many types of devices have been delivered as mechanical devices and more or less all or the intelligence and control has been added. Nowadays there is a growing trend towards a higher level of built-in intelligence in the devices, constituting the intelligent nodes. This type of systems allows the implementation of highly flexible control systems capable of a…

Application of Neural Networks and Expert Systems in a hierarchical approach to the intelligent greenhouse control

A novelty methodology based on the hierarchical combination of neural networks and expert systems is proposed in a centralized approach for the intelligent greenhouse control. The knowledge-based system is in charge of carrying out the determination of PH land value, composition, carbonic anhydride artificial atmosphere, external and internal temperature, wind and humidity measurements. From the results obtained, and by means of a neural network developed and trained for this application, the land quality is evaluated. On the other hand, the expert system, apart from supervising the system function and implementing fault tolerance mechanisms, performs the opportune actions in function of th…

A mobile robot for vigilance tasks improved with a new robust and low cost communications system immune to attacks with EMI noise

This work pretends to develop a robot for vigilance tasks that are able to tolerate diverse kinds of attacks and be able to operate in environments with elevated electromagnetic noise, being even immune to sabotage provoked by means of high electromagnetic fields. A new CAN based communications system that interconnects the different devices that compose the mobile robot has been developed to achieve this goal. The system is based on a shielded communications hub, that interconnects diverse nodes by means of CAN. On the other hand, the point to point communication between each node and the hub is carried out by means of economic optical fiber. With this approach all robot devices are connec…