Abstract: A visualization system computer communicating with a memory to execute a stored program contained in a fixed medium of the memory to display information regarding control components based on control component ontologies and knowledge bases. The visualization system includes an inspection agent configured to communicate with one or more autonomous control components of the manufacturing system to request control component information including a control component ontology including a listing of parameters and relations associated with the control component that define the operating characteristics of the control component and a knowledge base including a listing of current states for the parameters and relations of the control component.

Abstract: A visualization system computer communicating with a memory to execute a stored program contained in a fixed medium of the memory to display information regarding control components based on control component ontologies and knowledge bases. The visualization system includes an inspection agent configured to communicate with one or more autonomous control components of the manufacturing system to request control component information including a control component ontology including a listing of parameters and relations associated with the control component that define the operating characteristics of the control component and a knowledge base including a listing of current states for the parameters and relations of the control component.

Abstract: An industrial control system and method of controlling an industrial process are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the control system includes an order system configured to receive an order from an external source and process the order to generate an order instance in accordance with an order ontology, at least one database storing a plurality of selectable generalized production plans and information identifying capabilities of a plurality of control entities, and a product agent in at least indirect communication with the order system, the at least one database and the control entities. The product agent receives at least one portion of the order instance, selects at least one of the generalized production plans, and communicates with the control entities so as to determine a production plan instance suitable for governing at least one aspect of an industrial process in order to satisfy at least one portion of the received order corresponding to the at least one portion of the order instance.

Abstract: An industrial control system and method of controlling an industrial process are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the control system includes an order system configured to receive an order from an external source and process the order to generate an order instance in accordance with an order ontology, at least one database storing a plurality of selectable generalized production plans and information identifying capabilities of a plurality of control entities, and a product agent in at least indirect communication with the order system, the at least one database and the control entities. The product agent receives at least one portion of the order instance, selects at least one of the generalized production plans, and communicates with the control entities so as to determine a production plan instance suitable for governing at least one aspect of an industrial process in order to satisfy at least one portion of the received order corresponding to the at least one portion of the order instance.