The NIST Real-time Control System (RCS) An Applications Survey

Published

March 1, 1995

Author(s)

James S. Albus

Abstract

The Real-time Control System (RCS) architecture developed at NIST and elsewhere over the past two decades [1] defines a canonical form for a nested intelligent control system. The RCS architecture consists of a hierarchically layered set of processing modules connected together by a network of communications pathways. The primary distinguishing feature of the layers is the bandwidth of the control loops. The characteristic bandwidth of each level is determined by the spatial and temporal integration window of filters, the temporal frequency of signals and events, the spatial frequency of patterns, and the planning horizon and granularity of the planners that operate at each level. At each level, tasks are decomposed into sequential subtasks, to be performed by cooperating sets of subordinate agents. Signals from sensors are filtered and correlated with spatial and temporal features that are relevant to the control function being implemented at that level.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the AAAI 1995 Spring Symposium Series

Conference Dates

March 27-29, 1995

Conference Location

Stanford University (Menlo Park), CA

Conference Title

AAAI 1995 Spring Symposium Series

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

coal mine automation, Intelligent control, NASREM, Open architecture controllers

Citation

Albus, J. (1995), The NIST Real-time Control System (RCS) An Applications Survey, Proceedings of the AAAI 1995 Spring Symposium Series, Stanford University (Menlo Park), CA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=820587 (Accessed October 15, 2025)