Expert aided sequential design of multivariable systems

Shows how an expert system can be used to learn about and to help with the design of control systems. As an example, the design of a multivariable system by a sequential method is presented. The authors show how an expert system can be used to provide both a design assistant and an intelligent front-end for existing software, and they argue that both roles are required. To provide this functionality the authors have assembled an environment which they call a knowledge-based support system entirely out of standard commercially available components: an expert system, a hypertext system, and numerical software for multivariable control. The system has been used successfully by industrial engineers who were familiar with classical servo design ideas, but were new to multivariable control.