Open Control Systems future developments

With so-called one-chip processors, modern semiconductor technology offers an inexpensive module which can perform all the functions of the central processor of a process computer. As a result, many new fields of application for computer-based solutions are being opened up, and the end of this development is not in sight. Hence the introduction of microprocessors into the control of cement manufacturing plant obviously suggests itself, and has indeed been successfully accomplished for certain special purposes. It should be borne in mind, however, that with the use of a process computer in a cement works rather less than 10% of the capital cost is spent on the central processor, as against more than 50% on software and engineering. The actual cost of a microprocessor is therefore only to a very limited extent determined merely by the hardware cost. Even so, the microprocessor is assured of a future in cement works, but more particularly as a powerful component unit of process control systems. 

The hydroesteriflcation and hydrocarboxylation reactions catalyzed by transition metals and their complexes demonstrate the versatility of these processes. Palladium complexes are particularly useful catalysts for these reactions. Indeed, the hydrocarbonylation of a large variety of substrates has been selectively achieved by using palladium catalysts in homogeneous, heterogeneous, or biphasic systems. The results obtained for the thiocar-bonylation showed excellent regio- and stereoselectivity control for most substrates. It is anticipated that the prochiral nature of most of the reactants and products will open a new venue for the asymmetric synthesis of acids, esters, and thioesters of substantial development in the future. 

Natural muscles are controlled by neurons and network of neurons. We can imagine artificial neurons and network of artificial neurons as well. Artificial muscles with motor proteins are studied and attract attention[79]. One direction is to develop deformable machine with real motor proteins, actins and myosins, and neurons. Another direction is to develop neural network software to control distributed artificial muscles. The author has been developing open brain simulator which can emulate the activities of human nervous system for estimating internal state of human through external observation [231]. Such software is also applicable to control artificial muscle systems, which is implemented on the personal robots and humanoid robots in the future. 

Of course, this system, like any filing system, is good only if it is kept up to date. Every time you conduct a safety analysis, its hazard description, causes, controls, and consequences should be entered into the safety knowledge management system. The next time you have to analyze a similar system, you will have very good, hard data on the safety of the system. One system that a private company developed has over 1500 hazards listed, which makes it much easier to do future safety analyses if they already have a strong database of information. The results of the safety analysis can be input, and any open hazards can be tracked in this system. 

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