초록 ▼

A controller for one or more pieces of industrial equipment accommodates multiple sensed conditions--that is, different conditions each associated with a different response, which may be an alarm or a branch control procedure. The controller includes a database of diagnostic templates specifying con

A controller for one or more pieces of industrial equipment accommodates multiple sensed conditions--that is, different conditions each associated with a different response, which may be an alarm or a branch control procedure. The controller includes a database of diagnostic templates specifying conditions, and actions or states associated therewith. For example, a template may provide multiple, specified, discrete time spans each reflecting a different machine condition, and each specifying a different action associated with that condition. The templates may be associated with a model of machine behavior, e.g., one based on probabilities, which utilizes the templates and programmed control instructions to simulate machine behavior over time. More broadly, the behavior model may be used to perform a simulated execution of control instructions based on various specified values for limit parameters, which may be provided by the user or computed in accordance with the behavior model (e.g., using a Monte Carlo method) as simulation proceeds.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control system comprising:a. means for executing a control function comprising a variable sequence of steps;b. means for receiving data relevant to the control function;c. a database for storing (i) a plurality of limits each specifying a different condition associated

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A control system comprising:a. means for executing a control function comprising a variable sequence of steps;b. means for receiving data relevant to the control function;c. a database for storing (i) a plurality of limits each specifying a different condition associated with the control function, and (ii) different actions associated with at least some of the conditions; andd. means for comparing received data to the stored limits and, upon detection of a match therebetween, causing execution of the steps implementing any associated action; rein:e. the control function is embodied in a sequence of control instructions executable by the execution means; andf. the database is configured to further store a probability associated with each limit, the control system further comprising means for performing a simulated execution of the control instructions based on the probabilities and the received data.