A layered architecture for intelligent controllers

The subject architecture under development is intended to provide a universal framework suitable for the evolution of a coordinated and detailed definition of a distributed system of intelligent controllers, their plants and inherent interactions. It is based upon a fundamental way in which intelligent controllers may go about coping with uncertainty. It provides a broad but non-exhaustive general description of a reference model (RM) for a common understanding of systems embedded with intelligent controllers and an insight into their design and behavior. The RM includes generic and analog extensions to the International Standards Organization (ISO), Open System Interconnection (OSI) RM [1] as described in the C/sup 3/RM [2,3] and as extended herein. The RM embraces anologous architectures for all the key types of physical interactions and utilizes the application layer to provide command and control over all types of interactions in an integrated fashion. The goal of this RM is also to provide a framework to guide the development of a coherent set of standards, specifications and implementations of interoperability among intelligent controllers within the framework of command and control and to protect extensive investments in modular reuseable technologies. The RM may also be used to assess the level of intelligence for intelligent controllers. Namely, as more services and functions are integrated to solve for a course of action under a wider range circumstances, the higher the level of intelligence.