Expert Systems for Process Control Using Automatic Knowledge Acquisition

Abstract Process control technology is changing rapidly at the moment. Not only due to the possibility to use digital computers for fast access to data, but also because of new technologies, such as parallel processing and artificial intelligence techniques. Control system design techniques have changed due to the availability of analysis and design programs on computers and are likely to change again. The reason is the possibility of using expert systems for control system design. These expert systems can propose solutions for the situation given and combine several analysis programs. Also expert systems can be used to program PLC's. This new method of programming PLC's might very well be a new break through in this frequently used control device. Another discipline in process control where expert systems are very useful are operator assistance systems. They can be used to supply the operator with clear information on the state of the process, omitting irrelevant information.