Overview

Overview

RCS is a Reference Model Architecture, suitable for many software-intensive, real-time control problem domains. RCS is open and scalable.

RCS prescribes a hierarchical control model based on a set of well-founded engineering principles to organize system complexity. All the control nodes at all levels share a generic node model.

RCS provides a comprehensive methodology for designing, engineering, integrating, and testing control systems. Architects iteratively partition system tasks and information into finer, finite subsets that are controllable and efficient.

RCS focuses on intelligent control that adapts to uncertain and unstructured operating environments. The key concerns are sensing, perception, knowledge, costs, learning, planning, and execution.

RCS applies to many problem domains including:  

• Manufacturing example
• Vehicle Systems
• Wider RCS applications examples
• • Space
    
  • Underwater
    
  • U.S.P.S.
    
  • Underground coal mining

1. Multiple Hierarchical Control Levels

A control system contains multiple levels, each with an appropriate level of resolution, defined by the architects. Higher levels generate behaviors with broader scopes, longer time span, and fewer details. Higher levels also perceive objects, situations, and other spatial aspects with higher levels of abstraction.

2. Multiple Functionality Generic Node

A generic model applies to all control nodes in the systems. Integrated situation perception, behavior generation, value judgement, and knowledge modeling and updating are the common functionality of all the nodes.

3. Multiple Abstraction Layers

4D/RCS covers a full spectrum of life cycle phases, providing:

• A conceptual framework for intelligent systems.
• A reference model for system components, interfaces, knowledge base, and mechanisms for perception and learning.  
• Methods and tools for engineering the sytems.
• Systems operations and human interface.