An agent-based approach to reconfiguration of real-time distributed control systems

We describe a general approach for dynamic and intelligent reconfiguration of real-time distributed control systems that utilizes the IEC 61499 function block model. This work is central to the development of distributed intelligent control systems that are inherently adaptable and dynamically reconfigurable. The approach that is used takes advantage of distributed artificial intelligence at the planning and control levels to achieve significantly shorter up-front commissioning times as well as significantly more responsiveness to change. This approach is based on object-oriented and agent-based methods, and aims at overcoming the difficulties associated with managing real-time reconfiguration of an intelligent manufacturing system.