A real-time fuzzy-knowledge-based system for fault diagnosis and contr
ol of bioprocesses was constructed using the object-oriented programmi
ng environment Small-talk/V Mac. The basic system was implemented in a
Macintosh Quadra 900 computer and built to function connected on line
to the process computer. Fuzzy logic was employed in handling uncerta
inties both in the knowledge and in measurements. The fuzzy sets defin
ed for the process variables could be changed on-line according to pro
cess dynamics. Process knowledge was implemented in a graphical two-le
vel hierarchical knowledge-base. In on-line process control the system
first recognizes the current process phase on the basis of top-level
rules in the knowledge-base. Then, according to the results of process
diagnosis based on measurement data, the appropriate control strategy
is subsequently inferred making use of the lower level rules describi
ng the process during the phase in question. (C) 1995 John Wiley and S
ons, Inc.