Continuing the forward thinking of previously held distributed computer control systems meetings, this volume discusses both the positive and negative views on trends in OSI-based communications; the development of the fieldbus; the importance of the incorporation into basic real time operating systems to be used for distributed systems of concepts such as time-stamping and access to global time-bases; and the influence of artificial-intelligence-based technologies on the distributed computer control world.

Distributed computer control is at the intersection between control engineering and computer science. Containing 22 papers, this book provides an up-to-date reference source of important issues in the design and implementation of distributed real-time computer systems.

The focus of the workshop was on recent advances in the theory, applications and techniques for distributed computer control systems. Topics included: tools and methods for inner layers of DCCS; application papers presenting operational DCCS; the infiltration of true real-time or "time critical" concepts and the emergence of artificial intelligence methods in DCCS applications, leading to novel computer architectures being integrated in computer networks. The book will be of interest not only to those involved in DCCS but also software engineers and distributed computing scientists.

One of the most important issues in the development of distributed computer control systems is the ability to build software and hardware which is both reliable and time deterministic; this is an area where control engineering and computer science naturally meet.This publication brings together the latest key papers on research and development in this field, allowing cross-fertilization between the two engineering disciplines involved and allowing both academics and industrial practitioners to find new insights and learn from each other's views.

A reference guide for professionals or text for graduate and postgraduate students, this volume emphasizes practical designs and applications of distributed computer control systems. It demonstrates how to improve plant productivity, enhance product quality, and increase the safety, reliability, and

The series of IFAC Workshops on distributed computer control systems (DCCS) provide the opportunity for leading researchers and practitioners in the field to discuss and evaluate recent advances and current issues in theory, applications and technology of DCCS. DCCS'95, the 13th IFAC workshop in the series was held in Toulouse-Blagnac, France. The topics covered at this meeting included: the role of real-time in DCCS specifications; scheduling methods for DCCS; real-time distributed operating systems and databases and industrial applications and experience with DCSS.

This volume presents state-of-the-art reports on the theory, and current and future applications of control of distributed parameter systems. The papers cover the progress not only in traditional methodology and pure research in control theory, but also the rapid growth of its importance for different applications. This title will be of interest to researchers working in the areas of mathematics, automatic control, computer science and engineering.