Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Plant Using Feedback Signals
OwnerWilliam J. Butera, William S. Yerazunisinventors
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Abstract
A method and apparatus controls a plant using feedback signals. A procedural description of a feedback control process for the plant is translated into a set of objects, wherein each object is a portion of the procedural description, wherein each object is a strictly-encapsulated and autonomous software module, wherein the objects execute in a platform, and wherein the platform includes a set of nodes embedded in the plant and each node includes a processor. A feedback signals is generated by passing messages between the set of the objects in response to an operation of the plant.
Claims24
A method for controlling a plant using feedback signals, comprising the steps of:
- translating a procedural description of a feedback control process for the plant into a set of objects, wherein each object is a portion of the procedural description, wherein each object is a strictly-encapsulated and autonomous software module, wherein the objects execute in a platform, and the platform includes a set of nodes embedded in the plant and each node includes a processor;
- and
- generating the feedback signals by passing messages between the set of the objects in response to an operation of the plant.
An apparatus for controlling a plant using feedback signals, comprising:
- a platform including a plurality of node, wherein the nodes are embedded in the plant and each node includes a processor;
- means for translating a procedural description of a feedback control process for the plant into a set of objects, wherein each object is a portion of the procedural description, wherein each object is a strictly-encapsulated and autonomous software module, wherein the objects are configures to execute in the nodes;
- and
- means for generating the feedback signals by passing messages between the set of the objects in response to an operation of the plant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.