There is a real need and market demand for intelligent Knowledge-Based Process Control systems, but the computational demands on such systems are formidable. Many process require monitors to take corrective action when an abnormal condition arises, or just to make ongoing adjustments to maximize efficiency. In complex systems the monitoring task can be tedious and sometimes overly demanding for human operators. Automated process control systems are also valuable even for very simple process, to minimize the demands for human intervention. This is particularly important when a process is monitored in hazardous or inaccessible environments. Quintus Computer Systems proposes to meet this challenge by providing specialized process control tools that will run effectively in a multiprocessing environment that will support the latest artificial intelligence technology. Hooks for efficient transfer of data structures from foreign software and sensors are provided, and the inference engine proposed is a priority-based reasoning tool that can quickly recognize and respond to significant events. This system will provide an operator with the basis of valuable monitoring and decision support system, and possible even eliminate the need for substantial human intervention in some cases.STATUS: Phase I Only
