Agent-Based Approach for LabVIEW Developed Distributed Control Systems

Idea of networked software agents is particularly popular in the field of information sciences dealing with distributed content, whereas in industrial automation its use is usually limited to manufacturing systems. This work presents a concept of multi---agent networked system for automation of continuous processes. Some properties of typical software agent (i.e. advanced high level languages and social skills) had to be dropped in exchange for determinism and satisfying time performance in negotiations between network---connected control components. The proposed environment is National Instruments LabVIEW, very popular solution for automation and measurement. LabVIEW is equipped with advanced data acquisition tools and is capable of artificial intelligence methods, although it lacks agentification mechanisms. A framework is presented, providing LabVIEW the required functionality.

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