This seventh IFAC workshop on distributed control systems (DCCS) discusses the ideas of real-time synchronization and data consistency in industry, with emphasis on the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP). The volume also debates the gulf between the computer scientist's approach to language and the needs of the application programmer. In addition to treating relevant topics, each session has an introductory paper and a panel discussion, to give a complete picture of the progress and research in this computer field today.

A reference guide for professionals or text for graduate and postgraduate students, this volume emphasizes practical designs and applications of distributed computer control systems. It demonstrates how to improve plant productivity, enhance product quality, and increase the safety, reliability, and

Continuing the forward thinking of previously held distributed computer control systems meetings, this volume discusses both the positive and negative views on trends in OSI-based communications; the development of the fieldbus; the importance of the incorporation into basic real time operating systems to be used for distributed systems of concepts such as time-stamping and access to global time-bases; and the influence of artificial-intelligence-based technologies on the distributed computer control world.

The focus of the workshop was on recent advances in the theory, applications and techniques for distributed computer control systems. Topics included: tools and methods for inner layers of DCCS; application papers presenting operational DCCS; the infiltration of true real-time or "time critical" concepts and the emergence of artificial intelligence methods in DCCS applications, leading to novel computer architectures being integrated in computer networks. The book will be of interest not only to those involved in DCCS but also software engineers and distributed computing scientists.

Distributed computer control is at the intersection between control engineering and computer science. Containing 22 papers, this book provides an up-to-date reference source of important issues in the design and implementation of distributed real-time computer systems.

In addition to the three main themes: chemical reactors, distillation columns, and batch processes this volume also addresses some of the new trends in dynamics and control methodology such as model based predictive control, new methods for identification of dynamic models, nonlinear control theory and the application of neural networks to identification and control. Provides a useful reference source of the major advances in the field.

Focuses on recent advances in the theory, applications and techniques for distributed computer control systems. Topics covered include: DCCS applications and case studies, DCCS communications, architectural considerations in DCCS, DCCS tools for design and development, DCCS communication management, function and resource allocation in DCCS, design methodologies for DCCS, DCCS applications and systems. Contains 22 papers.

This volume investigates simulation and computer-aided control system designs. The book covers the use of models and program packages, their theoretical aspects and practical applications, and uses illustrative case studies to give a comprehensive view of this fast developing science.

The control of power systems and power plants is a subject of growing interest which continues to sustain a high level of research, development and application in many diverse yet complementary areas, such as maintaining a high quality but economical service and coping with environmental constraints. The papers included within this volume provide the most up to date developments in this field of research.

Safety of Computer Control Systems 1985 (Safecomp '85): Achieving Safe Real Time Computer Systems presents the proceedings of the Fourth IFAC Workshop, held in Como, Italy, on October 1–3, 1985. This book discusses a wide range of topics ranging from direct process control through robotics to operator assistance. Organized into 28 chapters, this compilation of papers begins with an overview of the implementation of atomic actions by means of concurrent programming constructs. This text then examines the safety-related applications that usually demand the provision of redundant resources within the system. Other chapters consider the safe performance of an industrial robot system that relies on several factors. This book discusses as well the increasing demand for Computer Assisted Decision Making (CADM) both in engineering and service industries. The final chapter deals with the ways of reducing the effects of an error introduced during the design of a program. This book is a valuable resource for software engineers.