A blackboard software architecture for integrated intelligent control systems

This paper describes a software architecture which supports the design of h ierarchical controllers that provide facilities for adaptation, supervision and task planning. It details how this form of functional hierarchy differ s from the structural hierarchy also inherent within a complex control syst em. Then, both forms of hierarchy are combined in a single design notation and development methodology. The system utilises intelligent control techni ques (neuro-fuzzy and genetic optimisation) for controlling a cryogenic pla nt used for superconductor testing by cooling the test samples to temperatu res below 100 degrees K. The system supports the design of a hierarchical c ontroller that provides facilities for adaptation supervision and task plan ning. Simulation results are presented.