Inferential time-optimized operation of a fiber producing spinning machine by computerized knowledge based system

A method for monitoring the operation of a multiposition spinning machine wherein filaments are extruded from a spinning pack at each position and advanced as a yarn bundle in a path, then split at a location into a plurality of threadlines to be forwarded to a plurality of windups to be wound on packages, and scheduling events at predetermined times in the preparation of said packages with the aid of a digital computer, said method comprising:

• (a) providing said computer with a knowledge database that includes the operative state of each position, the elapsed time since the initiation of each package, predetermined event times unique to the filaments being wound, the positional configuration of said machine, and a hueristic rule base;
• (b) sensing the operative state of each position by monitoring the presence or absence of the advancing yarn bundle and said threadlines as a function of time;
• (c) providing the computer with the operative status of each position as sensed in step (b) and the elapsed time since the initiation of each package of the position;
• (d) comparing in the computer the operative state of each position and the elapsed time since initiation of each package of said position with predetermined event times and said hueristic rule base;
• and
• (e) performing said events on said spinning machine when said computer indicates that the time for performing said events has been reached.