Holistic approaches in knowledge-based process control

A consideration of the nature and scope of knowledge based process control (KBPC), leads to the proposal that Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering and Information Technology are three core elements of the discipline. Some aspects of all three are described. Systems Engineering methods are based upon whole life whole system considerations which are argued to be fundamental to KBPC. Applying the principles of taxonomy, or classification science, leads to a hierarchical perspective of control instrumentation systems which helps to gain breadth of comprehension of information machines. By first introducing the Systems Engineering approach and the methods of taxonomy, the chapter allows further development of the core theoretical elements in automatic control systems in general but especially in process control. Highlighting of the cardinal elements in the technology of knowledge based process control systems is also allowed using these methods.